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12 fatalities

Inflight Breakup of Twin-Engine Aircraft Near Adavale (VH-KTE)

Adavale, AustraliaFlight

On August 28, 1983, a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air (registration VH-KTE) operated by R. R. Moore & Company was involved in an aviation accident near Adavale, Australia in flight. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: There is insufficient evidence to determine the circumstances and factors which led to the inflight breakup of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft broke apart in flight near Adavale after entering a dive from 27,000 feet. All 12 occupants were killed, and investigators found insufficient evidence to determine the cause.

Incident Overview and Flight Profile A twin-engine aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 27,000 feet in good weather conditions when it passed over the city of Adavale. During this phase of flight, the aircraft went out of control and entered a dive. ## Descent and Structural Failure The aircraft descended for approximately 7,000 feet before excessive g-loads caused both wings and the fuselage to break apart. The wreckage was located about 3.5 kilometers south of Adavale. ## Casualties and Investigation Findings All 12 occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident. The official investigation concluded that there was insufficient evidence to determine the circumstances and factors that led to the inflight breakup of the aircraft.

Probable cause

There is insufficient evidence to determine the circumstances and factors which led to the inflight breakup of the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 1983 Beechcraft 200 Super King Air accident near Adavale, Australia?

A twin-engine aircraft broke apart in flight near Adavale after entering a dive from 27,000 feet. All 12 occupants were killed, and investigators found insufficient evidence to determine the cause.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Aug 1983 Beechcraft 200 Super King Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 1983 involved a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air, registration VH-KTE, operated by R. R. Moore & Company, at Adavale, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

There is insufficient evidence to determine the circumstances and factors which led to the inflight breakup of the aircraft.

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