No fatalities

1966-01-05: De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover (VH-FDR) — Royal Flying Doctor Service - RFDS — Thargomindah, Australia

Thargomindah, AustraliaTakeoff (climb)

On January 5, 1966, a De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover (registration VH-FDR) operated by Royal Flying Doctor Service - RFDS was involved in an aviation accident near Thargomindah, Australia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during takeoff due to quartering wind. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781241451Data APIEditorial standards

A takeoff was abandoned due to loss of directional control in moderate quartering wind. The aircraft veered sideways, striking rocks and tearing away both undercarriage struts. All three occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was considered damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview

During a takeoff attempt, the pilot encountered difficulty maintaining directional control in moderate quartering wind conditions. The decision was made to abandoned the takeoff, but the aircraft subsequently moved sideways off the landing strip.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft's takeoff roll was underway when the pilot found it increasingly challenging to keep the aircraft aligned with the strip. The moderate quartering wind affected the aircraft's directional stability, leading to a loss of control. The pilot aborted the takeoff, but the aircraft continued to drift sideways, departing the prepared surface.

Upon leaving the strip, the aircraft struck rocks. The impact tore away both undercarriage struts, causing significant structural damage. The aircraft came to a stop in the adjacent terrain.

Occupant Outcome

All three occupants on board escaped the aircraft without injury. No medical attention was required, and they were able to exit the aircraft unassisted.

Damage Assessment

The undercarriage struts were completely detached due to the impact with rocks. The overall condition of the aircraft was evaluated as damaged beyond repair, indicating that the cost of repairs would exceed the aircraft's value.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the incident was loss of control during takeoff due to quartering wind.