Landing Accident at Ratmalana Airport: Copilot Control Interference (VT-DIH)

Incident Overview On 0851 GMT (1421 local time), an aircraft arrived at Ratmalana Airport, Ceylon, following a scheduled flight from Madras, India. The aircraft touched down approximately one-third down the runway and subsequently swerved off to the left while its landing gear remained in the raised position. The incident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. No injuries were reported among the six crew members or 36 passengers on board. ## Official Findings The investigation determined that the copilot interfered with the controls and initiated an overshoot maneuver without instructions from the captain. At the critical stage of landing, immediately after touchdown, the copilot opened the throttles and retracted the undercarriage. The official report characterized the copilot's actions as unauthorized and unwarranted, despite being well-intentioned.