2 fatalities

Test flight crash off Madura Island results in fatalities (D-6)

Madura Island, IndonesiaFlight

On April 24, 1928, a Dornier Do J Wal (registration D-6) operated by Royal Netherlands Navy - Marineluchtvaartdienst (MLD) was involved in an aviation accident near Madura Island, Indonesia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Technical failure of the elevators during a test flight over the Java Sea. 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 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a test flight over the Java Sea, an aircraft experienced elevator failures and ditched near Madura Island. Two crew members died while three were rescued.

What happened

The incident involved a test flight that originated from Morokrembangan, located at Surabaya harbour. While traversing the Java Sea, the flight crew reported significant technical difficulties specifically affecting the aircraft's elevators. Due to the nature of these control issues, the pilots made the decision to ditch the machine in the water. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the sea in the vicinity of Madura Island.

Findings

The emergency situation was precipitated by technical problems with the elevators, which rendered the aircraft uncontrollable for safe flight continuation. Following the impact with the water, rescue operations were initiated. Three members of the crew were successfully recovered alive, while two others perished in the accident.

Probable cause

Technical failure of the elevators during a test flight over the Java Sea.