8 fatalities

Supply Drop Aircraft Crashes North of Dibrugarh-Mohanbari Airport (VT-AUQ)

Dibrugarh-Mohanbari, IndiaFlight

On October 17, 1965, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VT-AUQ) operated by Kalinga Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Dibrugarh-Mohanbari, India in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft crashed as a result of complete loss of control experienced by the pilot, after a sleeping bag, ejected as part of an air drop consignment, got lodged and ballooned over the port tail plane. 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

During a supply drop mission 37 km north of Dibrugarh-Mohanbari Airport, the aircraft lost control and crashed in flames, destroying the plane and killing all eight occupants.

Incident Overview

An aircraft conducting a supply drop mission crashed while cruising at low altitude approximately 37 kilometers north of Dibrugarh-Mohanbari Airport in Assam, India. The airplane went out of control and subsequently impacted the ground, erupting in flames.

Damage and Casualties

The aircraft was destroyed by the impact forces and a post-crash fire. All eight occupants aboard the aircraft were killed.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the aircraft crashed as a result of a complete loss of control experienced by the pilot. This loss of control occurred after a sleeping bag, which was ejected as part of an air drop consignment, became lodged and ballooned over the port tail plane.