Calcutta – New Delhi

On February 15, 1966 at 12:00 AM, Calcutta – New Delhi experienced a crash involving Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle, operated by Indian Airlines, with the event recorded near New Delhi-Palam National Capital Territory of Delhi.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

81 people were known to be on board, 2 fatalities were recorded, 79 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 2.5%.

Crew on board: 7, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 74, passenger fatalities: 2, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. Indian Airlines Corporation, Caravelle, VT-DPP, while on scheduled domestic passenger service from Calcutta Airport to Palam Airport on 15 February 1966, undershot the runway while attempting to land under conditions of poor visibility due to fog at Palam, with the result that it struck a cement pillar and subsequently several other obstructions until it came to rest on its belly near the threshold of the runway in use. Fortunately, all crew and passengers were able to get out before the aircraft was consumed by the fire which had broken out as a result of the earlier impact with obstructions. Some of the passengers received injuries and burns of varying degrees. Unfortunately, two passengers succumbed to their injuries subsequently. The aircraft was completely destroyed.

Aircraft reference details include registration VT-DPP, MSN 130, year of manufacture 1964.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 28.5956°, 77.0809°.