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Key Points

India has witnessed several devastating civil aviation accidents over the past four decades. The Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision in 1996 stands as the most catastrophic incident, claiming 349 lives. Numerous crashes across different cities like Mangalore, Patna, and Calicut have highlighted persistent aviation safety challenges. These tragedies underscore the critical need for continuous improvement in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and air traffic control systems.

Key Points: India's 10 Deadliest Civil Aviation Crashes Since 1978

  • 349 people died in the worst Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision
  • Calicut 2020 crash killed 21 during challenging landing
  • Pilot errors contributed to multiple fatal accidents
2 min read

List of 10 major civil aircraft crashes in India

Exploring tragic aircraft accidents in India, from Charkhi Dadri collision to recent Air India crashes, revealing critical aviation safety challenges.

"The 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision remains the worst air tragedy in India - Aviation Safety Report"

New Delhi, June 12

The Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad on Thursday has turned the focus on civil aviation safety in the country, with the last major tragedy being recorded in 2020 in Calicut, which claimed 21 lives.

While the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air Collision on November 12, 1996, which killed 349 people, remains the worst air tragedy in the country, some of the major civilian air crashes over the past decades include:

August 7, 2020, Calicut (Kozhikode) Air Crash: Air India Express Flight 1344 from Dubai crashed while landing at Calicut International Airport, killing 21 people. The aircraft skidded off a wet runway and broke into two.

May 22, 2010, Mangalore Air Crash: Air India Express Flight 812 overshot the runway at Mangalore, resulting in 158 deaths. The aircraft broke apart after falling into a gorge.

July 17, 2000, Patna Air Crash : A Boeing 737 on Alliance Air Flight 7412 crashed during landing at Patna, killing over 60 people. Loss of control due to pilot error was the cause.

November 12, 1996, Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision: Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 collided near Delhi, killing all 349 people on both aircraft. The cause was pilot error and miscommunication with air traffic control.

April 26, 1993, Aurangabad Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 491, a Boeing 737, crashed after takeoff from Aurangabad, hitting a truck and power lines, killing 55 people.

August 16, 1991, Imphal Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 257 crashed near Imphal, killing all 69 on board.

February 14, 1990, Bangalore Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 605, an Airbus A320, crashed on approach to Bangalore, killing 92 people.

October 19, 1988, Ahmedabad Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 113 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 133.

June 21, 1982, Bombay Air Crash: Air India Flight 403 crashed at Bombay airport, killing 17.

January 1, 1978, Bombay Air Crash: Boeing 747 on Air India Flight 855 crashed into the Arabian Sea after takeoff from Mumbai, killing all 213 on board.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This list is heartbreaking. We really need to improve aviation safety standards in India. Most of these crashes could have been prevented with better training and infrastructure. The government should make this a top priority!
P
Priya M.
The Charkhi Dadri collision still gives me chills. 349 lives lost due to miscommunication! 😔 We've come a long way in ATC technology since then, but we can't afford to be complacent. Safety should never be compromised for cost-cutting.
A
Arjun S.
Notice how many of these are during monsoon season. Our airports need better drainage systems and runway maintenance. Also, pilot training for wet conditions must be more rigorous. Monsoon is predictable - we should be prepared!
S
Sunita R.
My uncle survived the 2020 Calicut crash. The trauma stays with survivors forever. While we focus on fatalities, we must also improve post-crash emergency response and survivor support systems. Jai Hind!
V
Vikram J.
While safety is paramount, we should acknowledge that Indian aviation has improved significantly. The last decade saw fewer major crashes compared to 80s-90s. But yes, even one life lost is too many. Continuous improvement is needed.
N
Neha P.
The Mangalore crash was especially tragic because of the terrain. Table-top runways need special safety measures. Maybe AI could help pilots with terrain awareness in such airports? Technology has solutions if we invest wisely.
K
Karan D.
Respectfully, the article misses some important context. Many regional airports still lack basic

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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