Single-engine landing gear excursion and subsequent crash during climb

No fatalities • Simanggang, Malaysia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft diverted due to engine oil pressure issues and later crashed into a jungle during its second takeoff attempt following a runway excursion.

What happened

While traveling from Balikpapan to Kuching, the flight crew observed a warning light indicating low oil pressure in the left engine. In response, the crew deactivated the left engine and feathered the propeller. Because of adverse weather conditions at the destination of Kuching, the pilot opted to divert to Simanggang.

The aircraft landed safely on a single engine at Simanggang. However, during the deceleration phase, the pilot performed a 180-degree turn followed by a backtrack procedure. During this maneuver, one of the landing gear components sank into soft ground near the edge of the runway.

After replenishing the oil in the left engine, the crew attempted a second departure for Kuching. Shortly after liftoff, during the initial climb, a new warning light appeared on the cockpit panel signaling a malfunction in the right engine's feathering system. The aircraft type began oscillating laterally before losing altitude and impacting a jungle area situated 1,400 meters beyond the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane and three injuries among the crew.

Findings

  • A malfunction involving the feathering system on the right engine occurred during the climb phase.
  • Soft ground at the runway edge contributed to a landing gear excursion during the initial diversion landing.

Probable cause

A technical failure in the right engine's feathering system during the initial climb led to loss of control and subsequent impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1980-11-29 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident near Simanggang, Malaysia?

An aircraft diverted due to engine oil pressure issues and later crashed into a jungle during its second takeoff attempt following a runway excursion.

Were there any fatalities in the 1980-11-29 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1980-11-29 involved a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou, registration M21-12, operated by Royal Malaysian Air Force - Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, at Simanggang, Malaysia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A technical failure in the right engine's feathering system during the initial climb led to loss of control and subsequent impact.

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