Pakistan International Airlines Flight 17

On 2 February 1966, Pakistan International Airlines Flight 17, a Sikorsky S-61N operating a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Dacca to Faridpur in East Pakistan, crashed near Faridpur whilst on final approach to its heliport, killing all 3 crew members and 20 of the 21 passengers.

Flight route

Flight 17 was a scheduled domestic flight from Dacca to Faridpur, East Pakistan. After landing in Faridpur, the aircraft was then scheduled to fly to Kushtia, from which it would fly to Rajshahi. The flight from Dacca to Faridpur was meant to take 22 minutes; the flight from Faridpur to Kushtia was meant to take 20 minutes.

Accident

On 2 February 1966, the aircraft, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Dacca to Faridpur, East Pakistan, took off at 14:03 local time. Within 15 minutes, an oil leak had started from an external pipe connected to the main gearbox. The flight continued on, relaying at 14:18:32 that they left the control zone and reporting at 14:19 that they were in contact with Faridpur Heliport, being 25 nmi out and flying at 500 ft. After crossing the Padma River, the sole survivor noticed that an oil leak was visible in the passenger cabin. Around 3 mi away from Faridpur, one of the helicopter's retreating blades was struck by a vulture; despite the collision, the flight continued normally and prepared for final approach to the heliport. The helicopter was flying at an altitude of 300 ft with a speed not more than 90 kn with its landing gear extended, when it experienced a loss of power to the main transmission, despite both engines running normally. The pilot corrected the resulting turn to the left, then the helicopter turned 90º and continued rolling and rocking in a steep, uncontrolled descent. At 14:23, the helicopter crashed into the ground with its nose low and a banking of 30º to the right. Witnesses reported seeing white rotor smoke under the rotorhead. A fire subsequently broke out, and heavy smoke was also being produced. Passenger Muhammad Abdul Mannan managed to escape shortly after the crash and was taken to the by farmers working in rice fields. Taken to Faridpur Hospital, his condition was described as satisfactory and "out of danger". He did not sustain injuries. All the other occupants remained trapped in the aircraft, and the fire eventually consumed the cockpit and the main cabin. All 3 crew members and 20 of the 21 passengers were killed.