Stall and crash during takeoff following runway intrusion

2 fatalities • Simara, Nepal • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft stalled and crashed shortly after takeoff when the pilot attempted an early rotation to avoid a person on the runway, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

While performing a takeoff roll, the captain observed an individual walking across the active runway. In an attempt to clear the obstacle, the pilot initiated an immediate rotation by pulling back on the control column. This maneuver caused the aircraft to lift off the ground prematurely while it was still traveling at an insufficient airspeed.

As a result of the low velocity, the aircraft entered a stall shortly after leaving the runway surface. The plane crashed a short distance beyond the takeoff point, approximately several dozen yards from the initial rotation site. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The accident resulted in two fatalities and left one crew member with serious injuries.

Findings

  • The pilot-in-command executed an early liftoff to avoid a runway incursion.
  • The aircraft reached rotation before achieving the necessary speed for sustained flight, leading to an aerodynamic stall.

Probable cause

The pilot initiated a premature rotation during the takeoff roll to avoid a person on the runway, causing the aircraft to stall at a low airspeed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1955-08-30 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Simara, Nepal?

An aircraft stalled and crashed shortly after takeoff when the pilot attempted an early rotation to avoid a person on the runway, resulting in two fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1955-08-30 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1955-08-30 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VT-AZX, operated by Kalinga Airlines, at Simara, Nepal.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot initiated a premature rotation during the takeoff roll to avoid a person on the runway, causing the aircraft to stall at a low airspeed.

Loading the flight search…