Aircraft crash during night approach at Nagpur-Sonegaon Airport

3 fatalities • Nagpur, India • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed short of the runway at Nagpur-Sonegaon Airport during a nighttime approach in low visibility, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

During a nighttime arrival at Nagpur-Sonelar Airport, an aircraft was performing its final approach under conditions of restricted visibility. While on final approach, the aircraft descended below the required altitude and struck trees. Following the impact with the vegetation, the plane entered a left bank and crashed approximately 700 meters before reaching runway 27.

The accident resulted in three fatalities, including both pilots and one passenger. Among the remaining occupants, 14 individuals sustained injuries during the impact.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the flight crew utilized an incorrect approach configuration. The crew chose to proceed with the descent below the established glide path, maintaining an unsafe altitude throughout the final stage of the flight.

A significant contributing factor was the use of an improper altimeter setting; the crew continued the approach using QNH mode instead of QFE, which led to a misunderstanding of their actual height above the airfield.

Probable cause

The crew's decision to descend below the glide path while using an incorrect altimeter pressure setting caused the aircraft to strike obstacles during approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-02-19 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Nagpur, India?

An aircraft crashed short of the runway at Nagpur-Sonegaon Airport during a nighttime approach in low visibility, resulting in three fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-02-19 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1952-02-19 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VT-AXE, operated by Deccan Airways, at Nagpur, India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew's decision to descend below the glide path while using an incorrect altimeter pressure setting caused the aircraft to strike obstacles during approach.

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