Engine failure leads to ditching near Samarai Island

No fatalities • Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea • Flight

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during flight, resulting in a forced water landing near Samarai Island with no injuries reported.

What happened

During the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power. This mechanical failure necessitated an emergency procedure, leading the crew to perform a ditching maneuver in the waters surrounding Samarai Island.

Following the impact with the water, the aircraft drifted into a group of rocks. The collision caused significant structural damage, rendering the plane a total loss. Despite the severity of the impact and the subsequent contact with the rocks, all nine occupants remained uninjured throughout the incident.

Findings

Investigations into the event determined that the primary reason for the emergency was a failure within one of the engine's cylinders, which resulted in the loss of propulsion during the flight phase.

Probable cause

The engine lost power during flight because of a cylinder failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-08-14 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident near Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea?

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during flight, resulting in a forced water landing near Samarai Island with no injuries reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-08-14 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-08-14 involved a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter, registration VH-SBQ, operated by Trans Australia Airlines - TAA, at Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine lost power during flight because of a cylinder failure.

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