Fatal aircraft accident during approach to New Delhi-Safdarjung Airport

9 fatalities • New Delhi-Safdarjung, India • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a field while attempting to join the approach path at New Delhi-Safdarjung Airport, resulting in nine fatalities.

What happened

During the descent toward New Delhi-Safdarjung Airport, the pilot-in-command initiated a final left-hand turn to align with the established approach path. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a failure of the left engine. This loss of power led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to impact a field. The accident resulted in nine fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the aircraft was in a steep, inclined attitude during the critical turn. It is believed that this orientation caused the left engine to suffer from fuel starvation. While the starboard engine had a sufficient supply of fuel, the port main tank contained only approximately 18 gallons of petrol at the time. This volume was insufficient to maintain a steady fuel flow to the engine while the aircraft was banked in such a manner.

Probable cause

The left engine likely lost fuel supply due to an inadequate amount of fuel remaining in the port tank during a steep turning maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-04-30 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near New Delhi-Safdarjung, India?

An aircraft crashed into a field while attempting to join the approach path at New Delhi-Safdarjung Airport, resulting in nine fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-04-30 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 1952-04-30 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?

The left engine likely lost fuel supply due to an inadequate amount of fuel remaining in the port tank during a steep turning maneuver.

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