No fatalities

Cargo aircraft crash into river near Wau Airport following engine failure (VH-UTB)

Wau, Papua New GuineaTakeoff (climb)

On October 23, 1941, a Ford 5 (registration VH-UTB) operated by Guinea Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Wau, Papua New Guinea during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted from a loss of control following takeoff, precipitated by the mechanical failure of the right engine. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo plane crashed into a river shortly after departing Wau Airport when its right engine failed, resulting in injuries to the pilot and total loss of the aircraft.

What happened

The incident occurred immediately after the aircraft lifted off from Wau Airport. During this initial climb phase, the right engine ceased functioning. As a direct result of the power loss, the airplane began to bank toward the right side while simultaneously losing altitude. The pilot was unable to recover control or gain sufficient height to return to the airfield. Consequently, the aircraft descended and impacted the surface of a river located in close proximity to the departure point.

Upon impact, the structure sustained severe damage, rendering it damaged beyond repair. The sole occupant, the pilot, sustained injuries during the crash sequence. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was engaged in a commercial cargo operation, transporting a load of timber.

Probable cause

The accident resulted from a loss of control following takeoff, precipitated by the mechanical failure of the right engine.

Investigation report by the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A). Original record: https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-ford-5-wau. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).