No fatalities

Aircraft collision with tree following engine failure during takeoff (A34-46)

Wedau (Dogura), Papua New GuineaTakeoff (climb)

On July 25, 1943, a De Havilland DH.84 Dragon (registration A34-46) operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Wedau (Dogura), Papua New Guinea during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was attributed to an engine failure that occurred during the takeoff roll. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a tree after an engine failure occurred during the takeoff roll, resulting in injuries to all three occupants and total loss of the airframe.

What happened

The incident occurred while the aircraft was executing its takeoff roll. During this phase of flight, the airplane experienced an engine failure, which compromised its ability to maintain directional control. As a result, the aircraft veered off the runway surface to the right side. The airframe subsequently collided with a tree located adjacent to the runway environment.

The impact and subsequent fire or structural collapse resulted in the total destruction of the airplane. All three individuals on board sustained injuries in the accident. The crew consisted of one pilot, while two passengers were also present in the aircraft at the time of the event.

Probable cause

The accident was attributed to an engine failure that occurred during the takeoff roll.