What happened
On the afternoon of the accident, a Lockheed Hudson, registration VH-AGO, departed Horn Island to perform aerial photography over the northern Cape York Peninsula. After completing several hours of survey work, the aircraft returned to Horn Island around midday for refueling. Following a lunch break with the crew of another Hudson, VH-SMM, the aircraft departed again at approximately 1516 hours, carrying a crew of three and three passengers, all bound for Weipa Mission.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot notified the Thursday Island communication station that the port engine was experiencing mechanical issues and requested an immediate return to Horn Island. The pilot also requested that VH-SMM remain on the ground to provide potential assistance. During the subsequent approach to Runway 08, the aircraft performed a baulked approach. Observers noted that the undercarriage had not been deployed during the initial descent and that the aircraft was maintaining an unusually high speed and altitude. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, it began a port-side roll and disappeared from view.
The wreckage was located on a coral mud shelf approximately 1.25 miles northwest of the Horn Island Aerodrome. The impact was severe, and all six occupants of the aircraft were killed.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed that the port engine had suffered a seizure caused by the failure of a master rod bearing. At the time of the incident, VH-AGO had recorded 3083 total flying hours, with 260 hours completed since its last overhaul. The pilot's decision to execute a baulked approach was determined to be necessary to prevent the aircraft from overrunning the airstrip, given the high speed and altitude at which the aircraft crossed the threshold.