No fatalities

Aircraft crash near runway end following right engine failure (VH-BDO)

Tamworth, AustraliaTakeoff (climb)

On October 12, 1949, an Avro 652 Anson (registration VH-BDO) operated by East West Airlines - Australia was involved in an aviation accident near Tamworth, Australia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the failure of the right engine due to a fuel line blockage created by a hornet's nest. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff due to a right engine failure caused by a blocked fuel line. All seven passengers evacuated safely, while the pilot sustained serious injuries.

What happened

The incident occurred during the initial climb phase of flight, shortly after the aircraft had departed the runway. During this critical stage, the right engine ceased functioning, leading to a loss of thrust. As a result, the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and descended rapidly towards the ground.

The craft impacted the terrain in the immediate vicinity of the runway threshold. The collision forces were severe enough to destroy the airframe completely. Despite the catastrophic nature of the crash, all seven passengers managed to exit the cabin unharmed. In contrast, the pilot sustained serious injuries during the event.

Findings

Investigation into the mechanical failure identified the specific cause of the engine stoppage. The right engine failed because its fuel supply line was obstructed by a hornet's nest. This biological intrusion prevented adequate fuel flow to the engine, resulting in the loss of power that precipitated the stall and subsequent crash.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the failure of the right engine due to a fuel line blockage created by a hornet's nest.