Viscount 815 crash during training flight in Karachi

2 fatalities • Karachi-Muhammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan • Landing (descent or approach)

A Vickers Viscount 815 crashed during a training mission in Karachi, resulting in two fatalities and one injury after an unsuccessful go-around attempt.

What happened

A training flight departing from Karachi experienced a series of events leading to a fatal accident. The aircraft initially departed at 14:30 GMT for instruction, returned to the airport at 16:39, and commenced a second training takeoff at 16:48. During the subsequent approach, which was likely an ILS procedure, the crew initiated a go-around because the aircraft was not correctly aligned with the runway.

During this second attempt, the Viscount 815 was observed flying at a very low altitude over the runway while operating with engines number 3 and 4 non-functional. As the aircraft attempted to overshoot, it experienced a sudden yaw of nearly 90 degrees to the right. This maneuver caused the right wing to impact a blast pen wall, leading to a crash and subsequent fire. The accident resulted in two fatalities and one injury. The aircraft, known as 'City of Dacca', had been in service for only five months.

Findings

The investigation determined that the trainee captain attempted a maneuver that exceeded the established operational limits. Specifically, the crew attempted a two-engine overshoot at an insufficient altitude and below the required minimum speed while already committed to the landing. The pilot's overestimation of the aircraft's performance during this low-speed, low-altitude maneuver led to an uncontrollable yaw and a sharp descent.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an attempt to perform a two-engine overshoot at an altitude and speed below safe operational limits.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1959-08-14 Vickers Viscount accident near Karachi-Muhammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan?

A Vickers Viscount 815 crashed during a training mission in Karachi, resulting in two fatalities and one injury after an unsuccessful go-around attempt.

Were there any fatalities in the 1959-08-14 Vickers Viscount accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1959-08-14 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration AP-AJE, operated by Pakistan International Airlines - PIA, at Karachi-Muhammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an attempt to perform a two-engine overshoot at an altitude and speed below safe operational limits.

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