Mid-air collision of two Indian Navy Ilyushin II-38 aircraft at Dabolim Airport

5 fatalities • Dabolim, India • Flight

Two Indian Navy Ilyushin II-38 aircraft collided during a formation flight at Dabolim Airport, resulting in 16 fatalities.

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 planes, identified by registrations IN302 and IN304, were flying in a coordinated formation at an altitude of approximately 100 meters. As the aircraft were approaching the airfield, a mid-air collision occurred between the two vessels.

The impact caused both aircraft to crash, leading to a high number of casualties. The accident resulted in 12 fatalities among the flight crews, consisting of five individuals aboard IN302 and seven individuals aboard IN304. Additionally, the crash caused the deaths of four people on the ground.

Findings

  • The collision took place during the approach phase of flight.
  • The aircraft were operating at a low altitude of roughly 100 meters during a formation demonstration.

Probable cause

A mid-air collision occurred between two aircraft flying in close formation during a low-altitude demonstration flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-10-01 Ilyushin II-38 accident near Dabolim, India?

Two Indian Navy Ilyushin II-38 aircraft collided during a formation flight at Dabolim Airport, resulting in 16 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-10-01 Ilyushin II-38 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-10-01 involved a Ilyushin II-38, registration IN302, operated by Indian Navy - Bharatiya Nau Sena, at Dabolim, India.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A mid-air collision occurred between two aircraft flying in close formation during a low-altitude demonstration flight.

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