Lockheed 14 Super Electra accident at Katherine, Australia, 18 Jan 1939 (VH-ABI)
On January 18, 1939, a Lockheed 14 Super Electra (registration VH-ABI) operated by Guinea Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Katherine, Australia during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the single runway of only 700 yards was marginal for the type of aircraft. Wheel marks on the runway indicated that there had been five attempts at becoming airborne before the boundary fence prompted one last desperate attempt at… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It was determined that the single runway of only 700 yards was marginal for the type of aircraft. Wheel marks on the runway indicated that there had been five attempts at becoming airborne before the boundary fence prompted one last desperate attempt at lifting off with too little airspeed.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The aircraft was carrying a load of 700 pounds of mail from Darwin to Adelaide with an intermediate stop in Katherine. Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft encountered problem to gain height. It eventually stalled and crashed in the Katherine River located near the airport and came to rest in 6 feet of water. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were killed. Crew: J. A. Jukes, pilot, C. R. Clarke, pilot, P. I. Donegan, copilot and flight engineer. Passenger: A. McDonald, Chief Inspector of Aerodromes in the Northern Territory.
Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that the single runway of only 700 yards was marginal for the type of aircraft. Wheel marks on the runway indicated that there had been five attempts at becoming airborne before the boundary fence prompted one last desperate attempt at lifting off with too little airspeed.