No fatalities

1958-09-08: Douglas C-54 Skymaster (VT-DIA) — Indian Airlines — Chennai, India

Chennai, IndiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 8, 1958, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration VT-DIA) operated by Indian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Chennai, India during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the primary hydraulic system in flight due to a wrong installed gasket. 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 1781248138Data APIEditorial standards

A primary hydraulic system failure en route to Madras was misidentified by the crew, resulting in partial brake inoperability after touchdown. The aircraft overran, struck obstacles, lost its undercarriage, and was damaged beyond repair; all 31 occupants evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

The aircraft was en route to Madras when the primary hydraulic system failed. The flight crew did not correctly identify the nature of the failure. After touchdown at Madras Airport, the brake systems were found to be partially inoperative.

Sequence of Events

Unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, the airplane overran the end of the runway. During the overrun, it struck obstacles, which caused the loss of the undercarriage. The aircraft eventually came to a halt. All 31 occupants on board evacuated the aircraft safely.

Damage Assessment

The aircraft sustained structural damage that rendered it beyond economical repair. It was subsequently considered as damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be failure of the primary hydraulic system in flight due to an incorrectly installed gasket.