No fatalities

Aircraft Veers Off Runway During Takeoff Roll (NZ3529)

Luganville, VanuatuTakeoff (climb)

On July 6, 1945, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration NZ3529) operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF was involved in an aviation accident near Luganville, Vanuatu during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-25Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft deviated from the runway centerline during takeoff, resulting in a loss of undercarriage and impact with trees. The airframe was destroyed, but no injuries were reported.

What happened

During the initial phase of the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to veer toward the right side of the runway. This deviation caused the plane to leave the paved surface and enter the surrounding terrain. As it moved off the runway, the aircraft lost its undercarriage. The vehicle continued moving until it came to rest within a line of trees.

Findings

The incident resulted in significant structural damage to the airframe, leading to the decision to write off the aircraft. Despite the severity of the crash and the loss of the landing gear, there were no casualties among those on board.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jul 1945 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Luganville, Vanuatu?

An aircraft deviated from the runway centerline during takeoff, resulting in a loss of undercarriage and impact with trees. The airframe was destroyed, but no injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jul 1945 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jul 1945 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration NZ3529, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, at Luganville, Vanuatu.