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Aircraft Wreckage Found on Mount Tokugmera; Eight Occupants Killed (VP-PAD)

Mt Tokugmera (Tanna Island), VanuatuFlight

On October 21, 1966, a De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover (registration VP-PAD) operated by Air Melanesiæ was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Tokugmera (Tanna Island), Vanuatu in flight. 8 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A three-engine aircraft departed Lenakel Airstrip for Ipao, Futuna Island. After failing to arrive, search and rescue located the burned wreckage on Mount Tokugmera. All eight occupants, including the airline's Chief Pilot, were killed.

Incident Overview

A three-engine aircraft departed Lenakel Airstrip on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, for a flight to Ipao on Futuna Island. En route, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions. The airplane subsequently failed to arrive at its destination, prompting search and rescue operations.

Discovery of Wreckage

Three days after the aircraft's departure, the burned wreckage was discovered in a gorge located on Mount Tokugmera, which rises to 1,084 meters in the center of Tanna Island.

Occupants

All eight occupants on board were killed. Among the deceased was Paul H. Burton, who served as the airline's Chief Pilot and Operations Manager.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Oct 1966 De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover accident near Mt Tokugmera (Tanna Island), Vanuatu?

A three-engine aircraft departed Lenakel Airstrip for Ipao, Futuna Island. After failing to arrive, search and rescue located the burned wreckage on Mount Tokugmera. All eight occupants, including the airline's Chief Pilot, were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Oct 1966 De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Oct 1966 involved a De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover, registration VP-PAD, operated by Air Melanesiæ, at Mt Tokugmera (Tanna Island), Vanuatu.

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