India’s Major Plane Crashes: A History Of Aviation Disasters

India has witnessed several tragic air accidents over the years, resulting in significant loss of life. The recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad on 12 June, involving a Boeing Dreamliner 787 with 242 passengers and 10 crew members, has renewed focus on aviation safety. Here is a look back at the major plane crashes in Indian aviation history.

Air India Express Kozhikode Crash (7 August 2020)

An Air India Boeing 737-800 flight from Dubai to Kozhikode skidded off the runway while landing in heavy rain and strong winds. The plane plunged into a valley. Of the 191 people on board, 21 lost their lives, including both pilots. Investigators blamed pilot error and adverse weather conditions.

Mangalore Air Crash (22 May 2010)

Flight 812 from Dubai crashed while landing at Mangalore airport, built on a hilltop known as a tabletop runway. The pilot missed the runway on the first attempt and failed to stabilise on the second. The aircraft fell into a gorge and exploded, killing 158 of the 166 people onboard. The crash was attributed to pilot error.

Patna Air Crash (17 July 2000)

Alliance Air Flight 7412 crashed just 2 km before landing at Patna airport due to pilot loss of control. The Boeing 737-200 fell in a residential area, killing all 61 onboard and 5 on the ground. Investigators found the pilot had misjudged the landing.

Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision (12 November 1996)

A Kazakh passenger aircraft and a Saudi cargo plane collided in mid-air over Haryana. The disaster claimed 349 lives, making it one of the world’s worst air disasters. The Kazakh aircraft descended below its assigned altitude, causing the collision.

Aurangabad Crash (26 April 1993)

An Indian Airlines Boeing 737 collided with a truck on the runway during take-off. Though it managed to lift briefly, it hit power lines and crashed. Fifty-five people died, while 62 survived, including both pilots.

Imphal Crash (16 August 1991)

Indian Airlines Flight 257 crashed into a hill in Thangjing near Imphal. All 69 onboard died. The pilot had deviated from the assigned route and took a shortcut despite poor weather conditions.

Bangalore Air Crash (14 February 1990)

An Indian Airlines Airbus A320-231 flying from Mumbai to Bangalore crashed on a golf course during landing. The crash killed 92 of the 146 passengers. The Indian Commercial Pilots Association blamed the aircraft’s complex design, but official findings cited pilot error.

Ahmedabad Crash (19 October 1988)

Flight 113 from Mumbai crashed in a paddy field near Ahmedabad due to poor visibility and pilot error. The accident killed 133 people. Only two passengers survived with severe injuries.

Bombay Air Crash (21 June 1982)

Air India Flight 403 crashed at Santa Cruz airport during a stormy landing. Seventeen of the 111 onboard died. Investigators found the pilot reduced engine power 12 seconds early, causing a rapid descent.

Arabian Sea Crash (1 January 1978)

Air India Flight 855 crashed into the Arabian Sea shortly after taking off from Mumbai to Dubai. All 213 onboard perished. The crash, attributed to spatial disorientation and instrument failure, remains one of India’s deadliest air disasters after Charkhi Dadri.

These tragedies have consistently highlighted the importance of pilot training, air traffic control coordination, and weather awareness in aviation safety.