Cargo aircraft crash in Bungulla, New South Wales

2 fatalities • Bungulla, Australia • Flight

A cargo flight transporting newspapers crashed into a hillside near Tenterfield during low-visibility conditions, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

During a scheduled cargo operation departing from Camden, an aircraft was transporting newspapers destined for the Sydney Morning Herald. While navigating through the region, the flight crew encountered heavy cloud cover at an altitude of approximately 500 feet. During this period of low visibility, the aircraft struck a hill in the vicinity of Bungulla, located south of Tenterfield, New South Wales.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were two fatalities among the crew members on board.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary reason for the crash was the pilot's failure to maintain the required minimum terrain clearance while operating under Instrument Flight Rules. Additionally, it was noted as a contributing factor that the aircraft had descended to an altitude below 500 feet before entering the cloud layer.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain the necessary altitude for terrain clearance while flying in instrument conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1950-10-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Bungulla, Australia?

A cargo flight transporting newspapers crashed into a hillside near Tenterfield during low-visibility conditions, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1950-10-12 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1950-10-12 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VH-SMH, operated by John Fairfax & Sons, at Bungulla, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain the necessary altitude for terrain clearance while flying in instrument conditions.

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