5 fatalities

1999-05-24: De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (M21-05) — Royal Malaysian Air Force - Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia — Kuching, Malaysia

Kuching, MalaysiaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 24, 1999, a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (registration M21-05) operated by Royal Malaysian Air Force - Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia was involved in an aviation accident near Kuching, Malaysia during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crash was caused by an engine failure of unknown origin during the final approach to the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781204358Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight ended in a fatal accident near Kuching Airport after an engine failure occurred during the final approach phase.

What happened

During a routine local training mission operating out of Kuching Airport, an aircraft experienced a critical mechanical issue while maneuvering for landing. As the crew was performing the final approach to the runway, one of the engines ceased functioning properly.

This loss of power resulted in a significant reduction in altitude that the crew could not recover. The aircraft subsequently descended into a swampy region located in the vicinity of the airport. The impact of the crash resulted in five fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.

Findings

Official investigations into the accident focused on the sudden loss of propulsion during the approach phase. The primary factor identified was an engine failure occurring for reasons that remain undetermined.

Probable cause

The crash was caused by an engine failure of unknown origin during the final approach to the runway.