Avro 618 Ten accident at Alor Setar, Malaysia, 26 Nov 1931 (VH-UNA)
On November 26, 1931, an Avro 618 Ten (registration VH-UNA) operated by Australian National Airways - ANA was involved in an aviation accident near Alor Setar, Malaysia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be established. However, the takeoff roll has been completed from a terrain whose surface was soaked by recent rains. So, the performances of the aircraft may have been reduced until the rotation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The exact cause of the accident could not be established. However, the takeoff roll has been completed from a terrain whose surface was soaked by recent rains. So, the performances of the aircraft may have been reduced until the rotation. A power loss of the center engine was also suspected.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Shortly after takeoff, the three engine airplane encountered difficulties to gain height. It stalled and crashed in a rice paddy field located past the runway end. All four occupants escaped with minor injuries and the airplane named 'Southern Sun' was damaged beyond repair. It departed Hobart and a mail flight to London with intermediate stops in Sydney and Alor Setar, carrying a load consisting of 52,000 Christmas' letters for a total weight of 1,500 kilos.
Probable cause (official findings): The exact cause of the accident could not be established. However, the takeoff roll has been completed from a terrain whose surface was soaked by recent rains. So, the performances of the aircraft may have been reduced until the rotation. A power loss of the center engine was also suspected.