No fatalities

Four-engine aircraft crash lands short of Karachi runway (F-BBDS)

Karachi, PakistanLanding (descent or approach)

On October 20, 1949, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration F-BBDS) operated by Air France was involved in an aviation accident near Karachi, Pakistan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft struck the ground during final approach to Karachi, crashing two kilometers before the runway threshold. All occupants escaped without injury, though the airframe was destroyed.

What happened

During the final approach phase into Karachi, a four-engine aircraft descended at an altitude that was too low for its position relative to the landing zone. The airframe made contact with the terrain before reaching the designated runway threshold. The impact occurred in a sandy area situated approximately two kilometers short of the runway start point.

Following the crash, all individuals on board were able to evacuate the wreckage and escaped without sustaining injuries. Despite the successful evacuation, the structural damage sustained by the aircraft was extensive enough to render it beyond repair.