Dual engine failure and crash following takeoff

No fatalities • Amritsar, India • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced total power loss during its initial climb, resulting in a stall and impact in a field near the runway.

What happened

During the early stages of flight, an aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines while performing a climb. This loss of propulsion led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to descend into a field located beyond the end of the runway.

Following the impact, the two crew members were successfully evacuated from the wreckage. Although the occupants survived, the aircraft was completely destroyed during the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the incident determined that the dual engine failure was a direct result of a fuel supply error. Although the aircraft had been replenished with fuel before departing, the fuel selector was improperly set to a nearly empty tank, depriving the engines of necessary fuel during the climb.

Probable cause

The engines failed because the crew did not switch the fuel selector to the properly refueled tank prior to takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-12-07 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Amritsar, India?

An aircraft experienced total power loss during its initial climb, resulting in a stall and impact in a field near the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-12-07 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-12-07 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VT-AZV, operated by Jamair, at Amritsar, India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engines failed because the crew did not switch the fuel selector to the properly refueled tank prior to takeoff.

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