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Four-Engine Aircraft Overrun at Port Louis-Plaisance Airport (VH-EAC)

Port Louis, MauritiusTakeoff (climb)

On August 24, 1960, a Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation (registration VH-EAC) operated by Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services was involved in an aviation accident near Port Louis, Mauritius during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the failure of the engine number three was not determined as well as the reason why the crew was unable to stop within the remaining distance. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered VH-EAC
Aircraft registered VH-EAC. Photo: clipperarctic / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A four-engine aircraft overran runway 13 at Port Louis-Plaisance Airport after an engine failure during takeoff, resulting in a fire and 20 injuries.

Incident Overview During the takeoff roll on runway 13 at Port Louis-Plaisance Airport, a four-engine aircraft experienced a technical failure in engine number three at a speed of 115 knots, just before V1 speed. The captain abandoned the takeoff and initiated an emergency braking maneuver. However, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, overran, lost its undercarriage, and came to rest in flames 100 yards farther. All 50 occupants were evacuated safely, but the aircraft was completely destroyed by fire. Twenty people, including four crew members, were injured. ## Probable Cause The official investigation did not determine the exact cause of the engine number three failure or the reason why the crew was unable to stop within the remaining distance. At the time of the accident, the runway was wet due to rain, which may have contributed to the event.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Aug 1960 Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation accident near Port Louis, Mauritius?

A four-engine aircraft overran runway 13 at Port Louis-Plaisance Airport after an engine failure during takeoff, resulting in a fire and 20 injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Aug 1960 Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Aug 1960 involved a Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation, registration VH-EAC, operated by Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services, at Port Louis, Mauritius.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the failure of the engine number three was not determined as well as the reason why the crew was unable to stop within the remaining distance. At the time of the accident, the runway was wet due to rain falls which may contribute to the event.

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