3 fatalities

Training Flight Crashes into Sea Off Sydney (VH-INI)

Sydney, AustraliaFlight

On December 12, 1960, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VH-INI) operated by Airlines of New South Wales was involved in an aviation accident near Sydney, Australia in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to lack of evidence, it was not possible to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the accident. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A local training flight from Sydney Airport went out of control and crashed into the sea 24 km offshore. Debris was found the next morning; the main wreckage sank. The three crew members were never found.

Accident Overview

A three-person crew was conducting a local training flight departing from Sydney Airport. During the flight, the aircraft went out of control and subsequently crashed into the sea approximately 24 kilometers off the coast. The main wreckage sank to a significant depth. The crew consisted of Captain R. Thomas, First Officer G. Thom, and First Officer L. Campbell.

Search and Recovery

The following morning at 0700 local time, some debris from the aircraft was located on the water's surface. However, the main wreckage remained submerged due to the depth, and no traces of the crew were ever recovered.

Investigation

Authorities conducted an investigation into the accident. The lack of physical evidence and the inability to retrieve the main wreckage or locate the crew hindered the determination of the events leading to the crash.

Probable Cause

Due to lack of evidence, it was not possible to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the accident.