Engine fire leads to training flight crash at Wigram Air Force Base

No fatalities • Wigram AFB (Christchurch), New Zealand • Landing (descent or approach)

A single-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway during a training mission after an engine fire occurred during the final approach.

What happened

During a routine local training mission conducted at Wigram AFB, an aircraft experienced a critical mechanical failure. The pilot, who was the only person on board the aircraft, was performing the final approach phase of the flight when an engine fire ignited.

Following the onset of the fire, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. This loss of control resulted in an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to crash before reaching the runway. While there were no injuries reported for the pilot, the impact caused significant damage to the airframe, rendering the aircraft a total loss.

Findings

An investigation into the incident determined that the primary factor leading to the accident was an engine fire that occurred while the aircraft was on final approach.

Probable cause

The engine caught fire during the final approach phase of flight, causing the pilot to lose control and stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1963-01-08 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident near Wigram AFB (Christchurch), New Zealand?

A single-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway during a training mission after an engine fire occurred during the final approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1963-01-08 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1963-01-08 involved a De Havilland DH.104 Dove, registration NZ1830, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, at Wigram AFB (Christchurch), New Zealand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine caught fire during the final approach phase of flight, causing the pilot to lose control and stall.

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