On March 14, 1954, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VH-BBV) operated by Queensland Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mackay, Australia during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The assumption that the loss of control was the result of a bird strike was not ruled out. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine cargo aircraft crashed into the sea near Mackay, Australia, one minute after takeoff during a night climb. The aircraft was destroyed, killing both crew members on a cargo flight to Rockhampton.
Accident
A twin-engine cargo aircraft, operating a nighttime flight from Mackay to Rockhampton, Australia, crashed into the sea one minute after takeoff. The aircraft was carrying a consignment of newspapers. During the initial climb after departure from Mackay Airport, the crew lost control. The aircraft descended uncontrollably and impacted the water off Mackay. The aircraft was destroyed, and both crew members on board were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation into the accident determined that the assumption that the loss of control resulted from a bird strike was not ruled out. This finding indicates that the bird strike hypothesis could not be eliminated as a possible cause.