What happened
During a local training mission at New Delhi-Indira Gandhi Airport, an Boeing 737-2R4C operated by Air Sahara (Sahara Airlines) was performing flight maneuvers. The aircraft, registered VT-SIA, was carrying a crew of four, consisting of one instructor and three trainee pilots. The flight had successfully completed five circuits and landings without incident.
During the sixth attempt, a touch-and-go maneuver, the aircraft departed from runway 28. Shortly after takeoff, the plane veered into a left turn, leading to a crash on the international apron. During this descent, the aircraft struck an Aeroflot Ilyushin II-86, registered RA-86119, which was stationary at parking bay number 45. The impact triggered a massive fire that consumed both aircraft.
Findings
The collision resulted in a total of nine fatalities. All four crew members aboard the Air Sahara Boeing 737 perished in the accident. Additionally, four individuals on board the parked Aeroflot Ilyushin II-86 died, along with one person located on the ground. The uncontrolled left turn during the takeoff phase was the primary factor leading to the collision with the parked aircraft.