Item 0119 - Air Crash at Ratmalana Airport

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326-IM-0058-0119

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Air Crash at Ratmalana Airport

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  • 1961-11-16 (Creation)

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The Times of Ceylon Press

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This Indian Airlines Viscount skidded off the Ratmalana airport runway at 2.30 p.m. yesterday in pouring rain and travelled on its "belly" a distance of over 250 yards before it came to a halt in front of a signpost of the Bata Shoe factory, which said "One step ahead with Bata!"
There were 40 passengers on board, but no one was injured although a few were slightly shaken up.
The passengers, who were helped out from the emergency and main exits, were drenched in rain and mud-soaked. They were transported to the airport and later to hotels.
Twenty-five passengers waiting to board the aircraft from Ratmalana heard the sudden roar of sirens but knew nothing of the crash till minutes later.
The wire fence bordering the aerodrome was flatted to the ground for a distance of 40 yards. A wheel and sections of the ripped undercarriage lay strewn on the path of the runway and road.
Fire extinguishers were used as a precaution but there was no danger of fire.
Yesterday the right wing of the aircraft was dismantled to clear the road for traffic. An Inspector of Accidents from Delhi is expected today to examine the aircraft and make his report.
A Skymaster arrived late last night to pick up passengers for Madras and Bombay.
An inquiry, which is being held by Mr. R. Godlieb, Deputy Director of Civil Aviation, continues today. The statements of the crew have been recorded.

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image/tiff

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30.4 MiB

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May 28, 2015 12:43 AM

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