What happened
During a commemorative flight at Dabolim Airport, two Ilyushim II-38 aircraft belonging to the Indian Navy were performing a demonstration to mark the 25th anniversary of the 315th Squadron. The two aircraft, identified by registrations IN302 and IN304, were flying in formation at an altitude of approximately 100 meters while approaching the airfield.
During this approach phase, the two planes struck one another in mid-air. The impact caused both aircraft to crash. The accident resulted in the deaths of 12 people aboard the aircraft, specifically five individuals on IN302 and seven on IN304. Additionally, the crash caused the deaths of four individuals located on the ground.
Findings
- The collision occurred while the aircraft were operating in a low-altitude formation during a flight demonstration.
- The incident involved a mid-air collision between two military patrol aircraft.