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Cargo Plane Crashes on King Island After Fuel Exhaustion (VH-PAQ)

Yarra Creek (King Island), AustraliaFlight

On February 13, 1979, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration VH-PAQ) operated by Pan-Air was involved in an aviation accident near Yarra Creek (King Island), Australia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure in flight due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

A cargo flight from King Island to Wynyard-Burnie diverted due to weather, then returned to King Island. Both engines failed from fuel exhaustion, leading to a crash in Yarra Creek. Pilot injured, aircraft destroyed.

Accident Overview

The aircraft departed King Island-Currie Airport on a cargo flight to Wynyard-Burnie Airport. Aboard was a single pilot and a load of meat.

Flight History

After departure, weather conditions deteriorated. The pilot was unable to locate the destination airport and decided to divert to Devonport Airfield. Visibility at Devonport was too low, prompting the pilot to return to King Island.

Engine Failure and Crash

While approaching the coast of King Island, both engines failed due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot attempted an emergency landing. The aircraft crashed in a prairie in Yarra Creek, on the east coast of the island. The pilot was injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Official Finding

The probable cause of the accident was a double engine failure in flight due to fuel exhaustion.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Feb 1979 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Yarra Creek (King Island), Australia?

A cargo flight from King Island to Wynyard-Burnie diverted due to weather, then returned to King Island. Both engines failed from fuel exhaustion, leading to a crash in Yarra Creek. Pilot injured, aircraft destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Feb 1979 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Feb 1979 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration VH-PAQ, operated by Pan-Air, at Yarra Creek (King Island), Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Double engine failure in flight due to fuel exhaustion.

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