On June 20, 1941, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration A33-2) operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Cootamundra, Australia during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure shortly after takeoff led to a loss of control and subsequent crash. 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.
An aircraft crashed into a wooded area one mile from the airport following an engine failure during initial climb, resulting in one fatality and four injuries.
What happened
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft departed the runway. During the initial climb phase of flight, one of the engines failed. The pilot attempted to maintain control of the airframe despite the loss of power. However, the aircraft subsequently entered a stall and descended into a wooded area located approximately one mile from the airport. The impact with tree tops resulted in a crash. All four passengers on board sustained injuries, while the pilot was killed in the accident.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the accident was an engine failure occurring immediately after takeoff.
Probable cause
Engine failure shortly after takeoff led to a loss of control and subsequent crash.
What happened in the 20 Jun 1941 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident near Cootamundra, Australia?
An aircraft crashed into a wooded area one mile from the airport following an engine failure during initial climb, resulting in one fatality and four injuries.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jun 1941 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Jun 1941 involved a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registration A33-2, operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF, at Cootamundra, Australia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Engine failure shortly after takeoff led to a loss of control and subsequent crash.
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