No fatalities

Aircraft Stalls and Crashes Short of Runway at Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport; Occupants Uninjured (VT-COU)

Calcutta-Dum Dum, IndiaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 2, 1964, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VT-COU) operated by Kalinga Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Calcutta-Dum Dum, India during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident is attributed to the pilot's action in simulating failure of the starboard engine during the final approach by feathering the propeller without the prior knowledge of the copilot who was handling the aircraft. 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

During final approach to Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport, the right engine stopped. The copilot-in-command lost control, causing the aircraft to stall and crash short of the runway. Both occupants were uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

On final approach to Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport, the right engine of the aircraft ceased operation. The copilot, who was designated as the pilot-in-command, lost control of the airplane. The aircraft stalled and impacted the ground short of the runway threshold. Both individuals aboard—the copilot and the captain—were uninjured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Sequence of Events

The accident occurred during the final approach phase. After the right engine stopped, the copilot, who was handling the controls, was unable to maintain control of the aircraft. The airplane stalled and crashed before reaching the runway. There was no fire, and the occupants emerged without injury.

Probable Cause

According to the official findings, the accident was attributed to the pilot's action of simulating a failure of the starboard engine during the final approach. This simulation was performed by feathering the propeller without the prior knowledge of the copilot, who was managing the aircraft. The copilot was unable to control the aircraft, which stalled and crashed. Additionally, the captain was not authorized to check the capability of the copilot.