Engine failure and crash near King Island

No fatalities • Yarra Creek (King Island), Australia • Flight

A cargo flight departing King Island ended in a crash near Yarra Creek after the aircraft experienced total engine failure due to running out of fuel.

What happened

A cargo flight transporting meat departed from King Island-Currie Airport, bound for Wynyard-Burnie Airport. During the flight, deteriorating weather conditions made it impossible for the pilot to identify the intended destination. In an attempt to find a safe landing site, the pilot opted to divert toward Devonport Airfield; however, visibility remained insufficient for a safe arrival, prompting a decision to return to King Island.

While navigating along the eastern coastline of the island, the aircraft type experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines. This failure was caused by fuel exhaustion. In an effort to reach the ground safely, the pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft struck a prairie in the Yarra Creek area. The impact resulted in the destruction of the plane and left the pilot with injuries.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered a dual engine failure resulting from the depletion of fuel reserves during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-02-13 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Yarra Creek (King Island), Australia?

A cargo flight departing King Island ended in a crash near Yarra Creek after the aircraft experienced total engine failure due to running out of fuel.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-02-13 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 1979-02-13 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?

The aircraft suffered a dual engine failure resulting from the depletion of fuel reserves during flight.

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