30 fatalities

1970-08-06: Fokker F27 Friendship (AP-ALM) — Pakistan International Airlines - PIA — Rawalpindi, India

Rawalpindi, IndiaTakeoff (climb)

On August 6, 1970, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration AP-ALM) operated by Pakistan International Airlines - PIA was involved in an aviation accident near Rawalpindi, India during takeoff. 30 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control while flying in a thunderstorm area consisting of heavy rain falls, turbulences and strong winds. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781236052Data APIEditorial standards

A passenger airplane crashed in an open field southeast of Rawalpindi after encountering severe turbulence in a thunderstorm, killing all 30 occupants aboard.

Incident

On a routine climb from Rawalpindi Airport, a passenger airplane entered a thunderstorm area three minutes after takeoff. The aircraft experienced heavy turbulence, resulting in a loss of control. It nosed down and crashed into an open field approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Rawalpindi. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and all 30 occupants were killed.

Investigation

Official investigators determined the probable cause of the accident to be a loss of control while flying through a thunderstorm area characterized by heavy rainfall, turbulence, and strong winds. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or operator were disclosed in the official findings.