Incident Overview

Date: Friday 26 November 1948
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-47A-15-DK (DC-3)
Owner/operator: Pakistan Airways
Registration Number: AP-ACE
Location: Vehari – ÿ Pakistan
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 21 / Occupants: 21
Component Affected: Carburetor fuel filter on the port engineCarburetor fuel filter on the port engine
Category: Accident
A DC-3 aircraft, operating from Karachi, experienced a catastrophic failure during takeoff on 08:15. The aircraft ascended to 7000 feet, then descended near Vehari, exhibiting smoke and flames, and subsequently disintegrated. Investigation revealed a fuel leak from the carburetor fuel filter, leading to a severe oil fire and ultimately, the destruction of the aircraft.A DC-3 aircraft, operating from Karachi, experienced a catastrophic failure during takeoff on 08:15. The aircraft ascended to 7000 feet, then descended near Vehari, exhibiting smoke and flames, and subsequently disintegrated. Investigation revealed a fuel leak from the carburetor fuel filter, leading to a severe oil fire and ultimately, the destruction of the aircraft.

Description

Takeoff at Karachi was at 08:15. AP-ACE then climbed to 7000 feet, heading for Lahore. Last radio contact was at 11:03. A little later the aircraft was seen descending near Vehari, trailing smoke. The DC-3 disintegrated and crashed in flames. PROBABLE CAUSE: “The omission of a sealing washer on the carburetor fuel filter of the port engine resulting in fuel leaking on to the ignition systems, culminating in a severe oil fire which finally involved the main port fuel tanks. Secondary causes were a generally low standard of maintenance due to lack of tools, spares, adequate lighting, hurried workmanship, and inexperience in lower staff grades. The crew carried out their duty in a disciplined manner and if disintegration had been delayed for a short while longer an emergency landing could have been made.”

Primary Cause

Omission of a sealing washer on the carburetor fuel filter of the port engine, resulting in fuel leaking on to the ignition systems and culminating in a severe oil fire.Omission of a sealing washer on the carburetor fuel filter of the port engine, resulting in fuel leaking on to the ignition systems and culminating in a severe oil fire.

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