Accident Details
After takeoff from Silchar-Kumbhirgram Airport, the captain failed to follow the published departure route. While climbing to an altitude of 5,600 feet, he initiated a right turn in clouds and rain. The airplane struck a mountain located 19 km northeast of the airport. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 39 occupants were killed. The crew consisted of pilot G. C. Dutta, copilot N. V. S. Reddy, flight engineer S. Das Gupta, steward A. Bhattacharjee, and steward S. B. Chaturvedi.
Probable Cause
The official investigation found that the pilot, who had not made use of the Met. Forecast left by the relieved Commander at Silchar Airport, did not follow the safer course of climbing overhead to the minimum sector altitude before setting course for Guwahati. He aggravated the situation by turning to the right without attaining adequate terrain clearance, causing the aircraft to strike the ground.