2 fatalities

Training Flight Accident Involving Viscount Aircraft at Karachi (AP-AJE)

Karachi-Muhammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam, PakistanLanding (descent or approach)

On August 14, 1959, a Vickers Viscount (registration AP-AJE) operated by Pakistan International Airlines - PIA was involved in an aviation accident near Karachi-Muhammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The trainee captain attempted a manoeuvre in disregard of the prescribed limitations of such a manoeuvre. A two-engine overshoot was attempted at a very low height and below the prescribed minimum speed, when the aircraft was committed to a landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A Viscount 815 on a training flight crashed at Karachi after a go-around with two engines inoperative. Two crew members were killed, and one occupant was injured.

Incident Overview

The aircraft involved was a Viscount 815, christened 'City of Dacca', which had been delivered just five months prior to the accident. It was operating a training flight from Karachi.

Sequence of Events

According to the investigation, the aircraft departed Karachi at 14:30 GMT for a training sortie. It returned to Karachi at 16:39 and then took off again at 16:48 for further training. At 17:07, the crew received clearance to land. During the approach, which was likely an Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedure, the aircraft was not properly aligned with the runway, prompting a go-around. On the second approach, the Viscount was observed flying very low over the runway with engines No. 3 and 4 inoperative. During the overshoot, the aircraft yawed almost 90 degrees to the right, causing the right wing to strike a blast pen wall. The aircraft then crashed in flames.

Casualties and Damage

Two crew members were killed, and a third occupant sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the trainee captain attempted a maneuver in disregard of the prescribed limitations. A two-engine overshoot was attempted at a very low height and below the prescribed minimum speed, when the aircraft was already committed to landing. This resulted in a violent yaw and sharp drop that could not be controlled. The training captain was conversant with the minimum requirements of a two-engine overshoot for the Viscount 815 but appears to have overestimated his own performance.