On April 26, 1954, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration VQ-FAL) operated by Fiji Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Labasa, Fiji Islands during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of power in the left engine following takeoff caused the aircraft to stall and crash. 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.
An aircraft experienced an engine failure shortly after departing Labasa Airport, resulting in a crash and injuries to all occupants.
What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from Labasa Airport, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving its left engine. This loss of power led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to descend rapidly into the ground. Upon impact, the airframe caught fire, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
There were six individuals on board the aircraft at the time of the accident.
All six occupants sustained injuries during the event.
The primary factor contributing to the crash was the failure of the left engine immediately after takeoff.
Probable cause
The loss of power in the left engine following takeoff caused the aircraft to stall and crash.
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