FlightFinder
Check my flight
23 fatalities

Aircraft crash during approach to Srinagar Airport

Srinagar, IndiaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 7, 1982, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar operated by Indian Air Force - Bharatiya Vayu Sena was involved in an aviation accident near Srinagar, India during landing or approach. 23 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The impact was caused by the aircraft striking terrain while flying in low-visibility conditions brought on by heavy snowfall. 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 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside while descending toward Srinagar Airport due to severe weather conditions, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During an approach to Srinagar Airport, an aircraft traveling from Pathankot encountered hazardous flying conditions. As the crew attempted to descend through heavy snowfall, visibility became significantly restricted. While navigating these poor weather conditions, the aircraft struck a mountain slope at a low altitude. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

Findings

  • The flight was operating under severe weather constraints involving active snowfall.
  • Limited visibility during the descent phase prevented the crew from maintaining safe clearance from terrain.
  • The collision with the mountain occurred while the aircraft was at a low altitude during its approach to the destination.

Probable cause

The impact was caused by the aircraft striking terrain while flying in low-visibility conditions brought on by heavy snowfall.

Related events

Same operator

More accident analyses