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3 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident at Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport (VT-COA)

Calcutta, IndiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 31, 1951, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VT-COA) operated by Kalinga Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Calcutta, India during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees while climbing through low-visibility conditions. 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

An aircraft crashed into trees during its initial climb from Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members.

What happened

During an ascent following departure from Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport, an aircraft encountered a sequence of events leading to a fatal impact. While the plane was in its climbing phase, it struck trees and subsequently crashed. The incident occurred under conditions characterized by limited visibility.

There were three fatalities among the crew members on board. No other occupants were reported.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating in an environment with restricted visibility at the time of the accident.
  • The impact with vegetation occurred during the early stages of flight following takeoff.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees while climbing through low-visibility conditions.

Related events

Same operator

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