No fatalities

Dual-Engine Failure During Initial Climb at Grand Anse Airport (VQ-SAC)

Grand Anse (Praslin Island), SeychellesTakeoff (climb)

On September 4, 1976, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration VQ-SAC) operated by Air Mahé was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Anse (Praslin Island), Seychelles during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of both engines after takeoff for undetermined reasons. 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

An aircraft crashed past the runway end at Grand Anse Airport after both engines stopped simultaneously during initial climb. All occupants escaped with minor injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview and Outcome During the initial climb after takeoff from Grand Anse Airport, both engines on the aircraft stopped at the same time. The loss of power caused the aircraft to stall, and it subsequently crashed past the end of the runway. All people on board were able to escape the wreckage with only minor injuries. The aircraft itself was destroyed in the crash. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of both engines after takeoff. The specific reasons for the simultaneous engine failure were not determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 1976 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Grand Anse (Praslin Island), Seychelles?

An aircraft crashed past the runway end at Grand Anse Airport after both engines stopped simultaneously during initial climb. All occupants escaped with minor injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 1976 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 1976 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration VQ-SAC, operated by Air Mahé, at Grand Anse (Praslin Island), Seychelles.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of both engines after takeoff for undetermined reasons.