Background
On a regular scheduled service from Perth to Melbourne via Adelaide, a four-engine aircraft named 'Amana' departed Perth Airport runway 29 at 2150 local time.
Accident Sequence
Shortly after takeoff, the crew encountered technical problems with engine number four, necessitating its shutdown. Subsequently, issues arose with the three remaining engines. In response, the captain decided to return to Perth for a safe landing. During the final turn, conducted at night and at low altitude, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area located 19 km northwest of York. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire.
Victims
A passenger sustained serious injuries. Twenty-eight other occupants were killed in the accident. Six days later, the only survivor died from his injuries.
Investigation
The official inquiry found that the aircraft suffered a total loss of engine power on at least one occasion, followed by a rapid loss of height until impact. However, the evidence did not allow the court to determine the cause of the total loss of engine power. Consequently, the court was unable to determine the cause of the accident.