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7 fatalities

Seven Killed in Aircraft Crash West of Kalgoorlie (VH-AQO)

Kalgoorlie, AustraliaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 15, 1951, a De Havilland DH.104 Dove (registration VH-AQO) operated by Airlines WA was involved in an aviation accident near Kalgoorlie, Australia during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the physical loss of the left wing that detached in flight due to metal fatigue. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in the Kurrawang Natural Reserve west of Kalgoorlie, killing all seven occupants including the captain and a hostess/radio operator. The left wing detached due to metal fatigue.

Accident Description

While descending to Kalgoorlie, a twin-engine aircraft went out of control and dove into the ground. The crash occurred in a prairie located about 22 kilometers west of Kalgoorlie, within the Kurrawang Natural Reserve. All seven occupants were killed, among them Captain Charles M. Hood and hostess/radio operator Dorothy Reilly.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by the physical loss of the left wing, which detached in flight due to metal fatigue. The structural failure resulted in a loss of control, leading to the uncontrolled descent and impact with the ground.

Structural failure

Related events

Same operator

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