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Aircraft Crash in Wainivatumbuso Gorge (VQ-FAQ)

Fiji Islands, Fiji IslandsFlight

On December 30, 1955, a De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover (registration VQ-FAQ) operated by Fiji Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Fiji Islands, Fiji Islands in flight. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot crashed an aircraft into a gorge near Nasauvere after hitting trees at low altitude. He escaped with injuries and was found by a local hunter. The aircraft was written off.

Incident Overview and Timeline Captain Brian McCook departed Suva-Nausori Airport at 0756 local time, with Nadi as the intended destination. During the flight, the aircraft was operating at a low altitude when it struck trees and subsequently crashed in a gorge known as Wainivatumbuso, located near Nasauvere. ## Survival and Rescue Following the impact, the pilot sustained severe bleeding from lacerations to his face and legs. He managed to walk through dense undergrowth until he was discovered by a local resident who was out pig hunting. ## Aircraft Status The aircraft involved in the incident was declared a total loss and written off.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Dec 1955 De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover accident near Fiji Islands, Fiji Islands?

A pilot crashed an aircraft into a gorge near Nasauvere after hitting trees at low altitude. He escaped with injuries and was found by a local hunter. The aircraft was written off.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Dec 1955 De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Dec 1955 involved a De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover, registration VQ-FAQ, operated by Fiji Airways, at Fiji Islands, Fiji Islands.

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