What happened
While performing a nighttime approach toward runway 28 at New Delhi-Palam Airport, the flight crew failed to maintain an adequate altitude. The aircraft type (unspecified) descended into several residential structures before crashing into the western bank of the Yamuna River, located approximately 22 km east of the airfield. The impact and subsequent intense fire resulted in the total destruction of the plane.
The accident resulted in 86 fatalities, comprising 72 passengers, 10 crew members, and four individuals residing on the ground. Additionally, five people survived the event with injuries. At the time of the incident, the co-pilot was serving as the pilot-in-command.
Findings
Investigations into the crash involved both Japanese and Indian authorities. Japanese investigators suggested that a false glide path signal led to the improper descent into the terrain. Conversely, Indian investigators concluded that the crew failed to follow established protocols, specifically noting that they ignored instrument readings without first confirming visual contact with the runway.