De Havilland DH.86 Express accident at Bass Strait, Australia, 19 Oct 1934 (VH-URN)
On October 19, 1934, a De Havilland DH.86 Express (registration VH-URN) operated by Holyman's Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Bass Strait, Australia in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the crash could not be determined. However, one of the recommendations made by the accident investigative commission was to prohibit the changing of pilots in an aircraft while in flight, since one theory into the disappearance of VH-URN pointed… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The cause of the crash could not be determined. However, one of the recommendations made by the accident investigative commission was to prohibit the changing of pilots in an aircraft while in flight, since one theory into the disappearance of VH-URN pointed to a loss of control resulting from such action by the crew.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While overflying Bass Strait, the four engine aircraft named 'Miss Hobart' crashed in unknown circumstances some 16 km off the coast of the Wilsons Promontory National Park. SAR teams found some debris and oil leak at the surface of the water a day later but no trace of the 11 occupants was ever found. Crew: Cpt Victor C. Holyman, pilot and cofounder of the airliner, Cpt Gilbert Jenkins.
Probable cause (official findings): The cause of the crash could not be determined. However, one of the recommendations made by the accident investigative commission was to prohibit the changing of pilots in an aircraft while in flight, since one theory into the disappearance of VH-URN pointed to a loss of control resulting from such action by the crew.