8 fatalities

1956-12-10: Bristol 170 Freighter (NZ5901) — Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF — Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Cameron Highlands, MalaysiaFlight

On December 10, 1956, a Bristol 170 Freighter (registration NZ5901) operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF was involved in an aviation accident near Cameron Highlands, Malaysia in flight. 8 people were killed. 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 1781249740Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a supply mission crashed after hitting trees at 4,000 feet, destroying the plane and killing eight occupants. One survivor walked away and was found twelve days later after a three-day delay reaching the wreckage due to weather.

Incident Details

While flying at an altitude of 4,000 feet on a supply mission, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a densely wooded area. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and eight occupants were killed.

Search and Rescue

The airplane failed to return to its base, prompting search and rescue operations. Wreckage was spotted in the afternoon, and rescuers were dropped off approximately 2,000 yards from the crash site. However, poor weather conditions hindered efforts to reach the wreckage, which was eventually accessed after three days. One occupant, described as a survivor, walked away from the site and was found alive twelve days later.