Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Salalah AFB, Oman, 9 Aug 1949 (KN336)
On August 9, 1949, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration KN336) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Salalah AFB, Oman during landing or approach. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The minimum safe altitude was fixed at 5,000 feet to descent to Salalah Airport. Probably due to bad visibility caused by low clouds, the crew continued the descent down to 3,000 feet, causing the aircraft to collide with ground. 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.
Probable cause
The minimum safe altitude was fixed at 5,000 feet to descent to Salalah Airport. Probably due to bad visibility caused by low clouds, the crew continued the descent down to 3,000 feet, causing the aircraft to collide with ground. Controlled flight into terrain.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The descent to Salalah Airport was initiated in marginal weather conditions. On approach, the airplane impacted a hill and crashed few km from the airport. Eleven occupants were killed while a crew member was seriously injured. He died a day later from injuries sustained. Crew: S/L D. Forward, pilot, F/Lt R. Diggory, Cpl D. Howden, Cpl R. A. Prior, F/Lt N. T. Evans, F/O D. P. Hinton, Cpl J. J. Gibson, Sgt T. J. A. Pearce, L. A. Bain, navigator.
Probable cause (official findings): The minimum safe altitude was fixed at 5,000 feet to descent to Salalah Airport. Probably due to bad visibility caused by low clouds, the crew continued the descent down to 3,000 feet, causing the aircraft to collide with ground. Controlled flight into terrain.