Aircraft overrun during takeoff roll due to hydraulic failure

No fatalities • Horn Island, Australia • Takeoff (climb)

A twin-engine airplane failed to stop during its takeoff roll after experiencing a loss of hydraulic pressure, resulting in an embankment collision.

What happened

While performing the takeoff roll, the crew of a twin engine airplane experienced a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure. This mechanical failure necessitated an immediate abort of the takeoff attempt. Despite the crew's efforts to halt the aircraft, the plane was unable to come to a stop within the available runway length.

As a result of the aborted takeoff, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and collided with an embankment. The impact caused significant damage to the airframe, rendering the aircraft a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was a loss of hydraulic pressure during the initial phase of flight.
  • The collision with the embankment occurred because the aircraft could not decelerate sufficiently before the runway limits.
  • The incident resulted in two injuries involving the pilot and co-pilot, though no fatalities were reported.

Probable cause

A loss of hydraulic pressure during the takeoff roll prevented the aircraft from stopping within the remaining runway distance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-12-22 Lockheed L-414 Hudson accident near Horn Island, Australia?

A twin-engine airplane failed to stop during its takeoff roll after experiencing a loss of hydraulic pressure, resulting in an embankment collision.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-12-22 Lockheed L-414 Hudson accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1973-12-22 involved a Lockheed L-414 Hudson, registration VH-AGX, operated by Adastra Airways - Adastra Aerial Surveys, at Horn Island, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A loss of hydraulic pressure during the takeoff roll prevented the aircraft from stopping within the remaining runway distance.

Loading the flight search…