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Engine Failure Due to Fuel Exhaustion During Spreading Flight (VH-EOF)

Stuart Mill, AustraliaTakeoff (climb)

On February 25, 1984, a Fletcher FU-24 (registration VH-EOF) operated by Private Australia was involved in an aviation accident near Stuart Mill, Australia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine had failed from fuel exhaustion. The pilot was not aware of the amount of fuel added to the tanks at the previous refuelling and he had subsequently relied on the fuel gauge readings to assess the remaining endurance. 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

During a spreading operation, an aircraft experienced engine power loss. The pilot dumped the load and used the boost pump, but the engine failed completely. A downwind landing ended with collision with tree stumps. The aircraft was destroyed; the pilot was slightly injured.

Accident Details

Shortly after takeoff while performing a spreading operation, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot jettisoned the load and activated the fuel boost pump. The engine briefly regained power before failing completely. Forced to land downwind, the aircraft struck a gully and collided with tree stumps during the landing roll. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, and the pilot sustained minor injuries.

Investigation Findings

Official investigation determined the probable cause was engine failure due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot was unaware of the amount of fuel added during the previous refueling and subsequently relied on fuel gauge readings to estimate remaining endurance.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Feb 1984 Fletcher FU-24 accident near Stuart Mill, Australia?

During a spreading operation, an aircraft experienced engine power loss. The pilot dumped the load and used the boost pump, but the engine failed completely. A downwind landing ended with collision with tree stumps. The aircraft was destroyed; the pilot was slightly injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Feb 1984 Fletcher FU-24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Feb 1984 involved a Fletcher FU-24, registration VH-EOF, operated by Private Australia, at Stuart Mill, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine had failed from fuel exhaustion. The pilot was not aware of the amount of fuel added to the tanks at the previous refuelling and he had subsequently relied on the fuel gauge readings to assess the remaining endurance.

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