India Bombay 1976
Arriving from Hong Kong and disembarking down the stairs en route to the awaiting bus there was very distinctive jet staring a take off run. As it was the usual midnight arrival and very dark I could not make out the aircraft as it sped along the runway. I could see however what appeared to be flames (maybe afterburners I though) , and as it lifted off the flames increased in intensity.
I stood mesmerized in horror.
The pilots struggled to return to the airport before complete control was lost and the plane nosed over and crashed just outside the airport.
Only then did I see the outline of the Caravelle.
The sound of the engines and memory of that tragic flight ,will live with me forever.
Indian Airlines Flight 171 12th October 1976
Kevin