Incident Overview

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.Share on: