No fatalities

Engine failure during takeoff leads to aircraft loss in Indonesia (PK-LEB)

Indonesia, IndonesiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 15, 1970, a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air (registration PK-LEB) operated by SAATAS - East Indonesian Air Charter was involved in an aviation accident near Indonesia, Indonesia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed during the takeoff roll, causing the loss 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during its takeoff roll in Indonesia, resulting in a crash and the total loss of the airframe.

What happened

During a takeoff attempt in Indonesia, an aircraft suffered a critical mechanical issue when one of its engines failed. The loss of power occurred while the plane was still in the initial phase of flight, preventing the crew from maintaining altitude or completing the departure sequence safely.

Following the engine malfunction, the aircraft crashed at the site of the incident. While the impact resulted in the total loss of the airframe, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among those on board. The aircraft was subsequently declared a write-off.

Findings

Official investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor leading to the crash was an engine failure occurring during the takeoff phase.

Probable cause

The engine failed during the takeoff roll, causing the loss of the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Dec 1970 Beechcraft 80 Queen Air accident near Indonesia, Indonesia?

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during its takeoff roll in Indonesia, resulting in a crash and the total loss of the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Dec 1970 Beechcraft 80 Queen Air accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Dec 1970 involved a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air, registration PK-LEB, operated by SAATAS - East Indonesian Air Charter, at Indonesia, Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed during the takeoff roll, causing the loss of the aircraft.