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.
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.