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20 fatalities

Fatal crash after takeoff from Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport (42-6471)

Calcutta, IndiaTakeoff (climb)

On September 22, 1943, a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) (registration 42-6471) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Calcutta, India during takeoff. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft failed to gain adequate altitude after takeoff, resulting in a collision with trees shortly past the runway end. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-25Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into trees shortly after takeoff from Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport, killing all twenty occupants on board due to an inability to gain altitude.

What happened

Following rotation from Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport, the aircraft experienced difficulties in gaining sufficient height. The plane subsequently struck treetops and impacted a wooded area located approximately 1,200 meters beyond the end of the runway. Upon impact, the airframe caught fire. All twenty occupants were killed in the accident.

At the time of the incident, meteorological conditions included a ceiling at 2,000 feet, horizontal visibility estimated at 11 km, and light winds. The flight crew consisted of three officers: 1st Lt Dale Johnson, 2nd Lt Jasper A. Lagattuta, and 1st Lt Kermit R. Peasley.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to gain adequate altitude after takeoff, resulting in a collision with trees shortly past the runway end.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Sept 1943 Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) accident near Calcutta, India?

An aircraft crashed into trees shortly after takeoff from Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport, killing all twenty occupants on board due to an inability to gain altitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Sept 1943 Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 20 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Sept 1943 involved a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3), registration 42-6471, operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947), at Calcutta, India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to gain adequate altitude after takeoff, resulting in a collision with trees shortly past the runway end.

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