18 fatalities

1953-05-09: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (VT-AUD) — Air India — New Delhi-Palam, India

New Delhi-Palam, IndiaTakeoff (climb)

On May 9, 1953, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VT-AUD) operated by Air India was involved in an aviation accident near New Delhi-Palam, India during takeoff. 18 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Error of judgment by the supernumerary pilot (first officer) who executed a steep starboard turn and could not recover due to low altitude; inexperience with the aircraft type was an indirect cause. 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 1781253318Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from runway 09 at New Delhi-Palam Airport, the aircraft stalled during a steep right turn and crashed, killing all 18 occupants. The probable cause was pilot error and inexperience.

Accident Details

On the day of the accident, the aircraft departed from runway 09 at New Delhi-Palam Airport. As it climbed to approximately 500 feet, the copilot initiated a steep turn to the right. The aircraft then stalled and crashed in a wasteland about 2 kilometers southeast of the airfield. The impact and subsequent post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft completely. All 18 occupants were killed.

Investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and reviewed flight data to determine the sequence of events. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and the fire that followed. No further details about the investigation process were provided in the official findings.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was an error of judgment by the supernumerary pilot, who was flying as first officer. He executed a steep starboard turn and could not recover from the overbanked turn in time due to the low altitude. Inexperience of that pilot with the type of aircraft he was flying was deemed an indirect cause of the accident.