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Aircraft Accident at Jaisalmer Airfield During Takeoff (VT-DFM)

Jaisalmer, IndiaTakeoff (climb)

On April 13, 1987, a Douglas DC-3 (registration VT-DFM) operated by Air Works India was involved in an aviation accident near Jaisalmer, India during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The commander attempted takeoff after experiencing uncommanded and uncontrollable yaw to the left during the takeoff roll and executed a premature liftoff to avoid the aircraft rolling onto the kutcha surface, resulting in the aircraft crashing onto the… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed at Jaisalmer Airfield after the commander attempted a premature liftoff due to uncorrected left yaw. The impact and fire destroyed the aircraft, injuring 23 people.

Incident Overview During the takeoff roll from Jaisalmer Airfield, the aircraft's commander encountered an uncommanded and uncontrollable yaw to the left. As the aircraft approached the end of the paved runway surface, the commander attempted to lift off prematurely. The aircraft briefly became airborne but, due to insufficient flying speed, it could not sustain flight and impacted the kutcha side strip on the left side of the runway. The force of the impact and the subsequent post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft. During the evacuation process, 19 passengers and four crew members sustained minor injuries. ## Contributing Factors The official investigation attributed the accident to the commander's decision to attempt takeoff while experiencing uncommanded and uncontrollable left yaw, leading to a premature liftoff in an effort to avoid the aircraft rolling onto the kutcha surface. The loss of directional control was probably due to the deflection of the left wheel, which was identified as a contributory factor to the accident.

Probable cause

The commander attempted takeoff after experiencing uncommanded and uncontrollable yaw to the left during the takeoff roll and executed a premature liftoff to avoid the aircraft rolling onto the kutcha surface, resulting in the aircraft crashing onto the ground. Loss of directional control was probably due to deflection of the left wheel, which was a contributory factor.

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