No fatalities

Flapless Training Landing Accident Results in Total Loss (VH-EAS)

Dubbo, AustraliaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 7, 1949, an Avro 691 Lancastrian (registration VH-EAS) operated by Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services was involved in an aviation accident near Dubbo, Australia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew attempted a flapless landing under unsuitable meteorological and wind conditions. 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.

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

During a local training exercise, an aircraft veered off the runway after a high-speed flapless landing attempt, resulting in a fire that destroyed the plane but allowed all eight occupants to evacuate safely.

What happened

The incident occurred during a local training mission involving a crew of one instructor and seven student pilots. After completing several standard takeoffs and landings, the group decided to execute a flapless landing. Upon touchdown, the pilot in command determined that the aircraft's speed was excessive for the remaining runway distance available for stopping.

In an effort to vacate the runway, the pilot initiated a sharp turn to the right. During this maneuver, the left main landing gear collapsed. The impact caused the left wing to strike the ground and shear off at the root. Fuel spilled onto the surface and ignited due to sparks generated by metal friction against the runway. The aircraft subsequently veered off the paved surface and came to rest in flames.

All eight occupants managed to evacuate the aircraft quickly before it was completely destroyed by the fire.

Findings

The official investigation concluded that the accident resulted from the crew's decision to attempt a flapless landing under unsuitable meteorological and wind conditions.

Probable cause

The crew attempted a flapless landing under unsuitable meteorological and wind conditions.