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Brake failure leads to runway overrun in Port Moresby (VH-AVZ)

Port Moresby, Papua New GuineaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 22, 1946, an Avro 652 Anson (registration VH-AVZ) operated by Interstate Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the failure of the brake systems during landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft overran the runway and came to rest in a ditch during landing in Port Moresby due to brake system failure. There were no injuries, but the airframe was written off.

What happened

During an approach for landing at Port Moresby, the pilot encountered a critical mechanical issue involving the braking system. The aircraft arrived from Cape York-Higgins Field (Red Island, Queensland) as part of its scheduled flight operations. Upon touchdown, the brakes failed to function effectively, preventing the crew from slowing the airframe within the available runway distance.

As a result, the aircraft overran the paved surface and continued moving until it came to rest in a ditch adjacent to the airfield. Although the incident resulted in significant structural damage leading to the aircraft being written off, there were no casualties among those on board.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the failure of the brake systems during landing.

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