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Left Engine Failure During Turn Leads to Stall and Crash Near New Delhi Airport (VT-AUN)

New Delhi-Safdarjung, IndiaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 30, 1952, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VT-AUN) operated by Deccan Airways was involved in an aviation accident near New Delhi-Safdarjung, India during landing or approach. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: On account of the inclined attitude of the plane at the critical period during a steep turn of some duration, the port engine very likely became starved of fuel, as it was being fed from the port main tank which unlike the starboard which had more than… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While descending to New Delhi-Safdarjung Airport, a pilot's left turn caused left engine failure due to fuel starvation. The aircraft stalled and crashed in a field, killing all nine occupants.

Accident Overview

An aircraft on approach to New Delhi-Safdarjung Airport experienced a left engine failure during a final turn. The pilot-in-command had initiated a left turn to join the approach path when the left engine lost power. The aircraft subsequently stalled and crashed into a field. All nine persons on board were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the left engine most likely became starved of fuel due to the aircraft's inclined attitude during a sustained steep turn. At the time of the turn, the left main fuel tank contained approximately 18 gallons of petrol, which was insufficient to feed the engine under those conditions. In contrast, the right main tank held an adequate supply. The fuel starvation caused the engine failure, leading to the stall and crash.

Probable cause

On account of the inclined attitude of the plane at the critical period during a steep turn of some duration, the port engine very likely became starved of fuel, as it was being fed from the port main tank which unlike the starboard which had more than adequate supply, at the time contained only about 18 gallons of petrol, a quantity inadequate to feed the engine in that position.
Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Apr 1952 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near New Delhi-Safdarjung, India?

While descending to New Delhi-Safdarjung Airport, a pilot's left turn caused left engine failure due to fuel starvation. The aircraft stalled and crashed in a field, killing all nine occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Apr 1952 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Apr 1952 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VT-AUN, operated by Deccan Airways, at New Delhi-Safdarjung, India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

On account of the inclined attitude of the plane at the critical period during a steep turn of some duration, the port engine very likely became starved of fuel, as it was being fed from the port main tank which unlike the starboard which had more than adequate supply, at the time contained only about 18 gallons of…

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