No fatalities

Aircraft Stalls and Collides After Dual Engine Failure; No Casualties (A65-114)

Edinburgh AFB, AustraliaTakeoff (climb)

On October 17, 1986, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration A65-114) operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Edinburgh AFB, Australia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure for unknown reasons. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff, both engines failed simultaneously. The aircraft stalled and struck the runway, collapsing the left main gear. No injuries occurred, but the aircraft was destroyed and later donated to a museum.

Accident Overview

An aircraft experienced a dual engine failure shortly after liftoff, leading to a stall and subsequent impact with the runway. The incident resulted in no casualties, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was later transferred to a museum.

Sequence of Events

Just after becoming airborne, both engines ceased operating at the same time. The loss of thrust caused the aircraft to stall, and it descended onto the runway surface. Upon impact, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft slid to a stop on the runway.

Aftermath

There were no injuries among any occupants. The aircraft was assessed as damaged beyond economical repair. Subsequently, it was donated to the South Australian Aviation Museum in Port Adelaide for preservation and display.

Probable Cause

Official investigation findings attributed the accident to a double engine failure for unknown reasons. No further causal factors were identified.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 1986 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Edinburgh AFB, Australia?

Shortly after takeoff, both engines failed simultaneously. The aircraft stalled and struck the runway, collapsing the left main gear. No injuries occurred, but the aircraft was destroyed and later donated to a museum.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Oct 1986 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 17 Oct 1986 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration A65-114, operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF, at Edinburgh AFB, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Double engine failure for unknown reasons