FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Engine failure and crash at Labasa Airport (VQ-FAL)

Labasa, Fiji IslandsTakeoff (climb)

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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

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.
Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Apr 1954 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident near Labasa, Fiji Islands?

An aircraft experienced an engine failure shortly after departing Labasa Airport, resulting in a crash and injuries to all occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Apr 1954 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Apr 1954 involved a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registration VQ-FAL, operated by Fiji Airways, at Labasa, Fiji Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of power in the left engine following takeoff caused the aircraft to stall and crash.

More accident analyses