On October 12, 1976, a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle (registration VT-DWN) operated by Indian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mumbai-Chhatrapati Shivaji (Santa Cruz), India during landing or approach. 95 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the 10th stage of the compressor disc, probably after a blade failed due to fatigue cracks. Debris sectioned fuel and hydraulic lines, causing the fluid to leak in the engine and to ignite while in contact with high temperature elements. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Shortly after takeoff from Bombay-Santa Cruz Airport, a right engine explosion and fire led to a crash on final approach, killing all 95 occupants.
Accident Overview
Shortly after takeoff from runway 27 at Bombay-Santa Cruz Airport, the captain contacted air traffic control and declared an emergency following the explosion and ignition of the right engine. The crew was cleared to return for an approach to runway 09 and initiated a circuit. On final approach, at a height of 300 feet, the airplane entered a nose-down angle of 45° and crashed in a huge explosion approximately one kilometer short of runway 09. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 95 occupants were killed.
Engine Failure and Fire
The accident investigation determined that the probable cause was a failure of the 10th stage of the compressor disc, likely after a blade failed due to fatigue cracks. Debris from the failure sectioned fuel and hydraulic lines, causing fluid to leak in the engine and ignite upon contact with high temperature elements. The fire quickly spread as the crew failed to shut off the fuel supply system.