4 fatalities

Fatal crash during approach to Agartala Airport (VT-DFN)

Agartala, IndiaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 10, 1952, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VT-DFN) operated by Kalinga Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Agartala, India during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed during the final approach, causing the aircraft to stall and crash short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a field near Agartala Airport following an engine failure during its final approach, resulting in the deaths of all four crew members.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward Agartala Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power due to an engine failure. In response to the mechanical malfunction, the pilot-in-command attempted to execute an emergency landing. However, the loss of thrust led to an aerodynamic stall.

The aircraft subsequently crashed into a field situated approximately a few hundred yards before reaching the runway threshold. The impact resulted in four fatalities, with no survivors among the crew members on board.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was an engine failure during the approach to the airport.

Probable cause

The engine failed during the final approach, causing the aircraft to stall and crash short of the runway.