Douglas C-48 (DC-3) accident at Karachi, Pakistan, 27 Dec 1947 (VT-AUG)
On December 27, 1947, a Douglas C-48 (DC-3) (registration VT-AUG) operated by Air India was involved in an aviation accident near Karachi, Pakistan during takeoff. 23 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of control was most likely caused by inadequate illumination of the flying instruments due to faults in the lighting system. 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 loss of control was most likely caused by inadequate illumination of the flying instruments due to faults in the lighting system. The captain was seriously at fault in deciding to takeoff for a night flight in bad visibility after his instrument panel lighting had proved unserviceable, and before a thorough check be made.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Shortly after takeoff by night, while in initial climb, the aircraft banked right, stalled and crashed by a 30° nose down angle in Korangi Creek. All 23 occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, visibility was poor and weather conditions were considered as marginal.
Probable cause (official findings): The loss of control was most likely caused by inadequate illumination of the flying instruments due to faults in the lighting system. The captain was seriously at fault in deciding to takeoff for a night flight in bad visibility after his instrument panel lighting had proved unserviceable, and before a thorough check be made.