Lockheed L-414 Hudson accident at Kupang, Indonesia, 20 Jan 1942 (A16-79)
On January 20, 1942, a Lockheed L-414 Hudson (registration A16-79) operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Kupang, Indonesia during takeoff. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the airplane was overloaded, which affected the operation of the port engine that caught fire during the initial climb. 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.
Probable cause
It was determined that the airplane was overloaded, which affected the operation of the port engine that caught fire during the initial climb. A precipitated and incorrect trim adjustment on part of the crew and/or a structural failure following the loss of the port engine may be considered as contributing factors.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to a height of 200-300 feet, the left engine caught fire. The airplane stalled and crashed on the runway, bursting into flames. All 11 occupants were killed. Crew (2nd Squadron): F/Lt Robert Wylie Cuming, pilot, P/O Robert Henry Martin, copilot, P/O P. H. Richards, Sgt J. Bessell-Browne. Passengers: Sgt A. E. Blake, Sgt Henry Jennings Dean, Sgt Kevin Henry Kelaher, LAC O. F. E. Crawford, LAC Edmund Geoffrey Mears, LAC Vincent Harold Smith, LAC Frank Morris.
Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that the airplane was overloaded, which affected the operation of the port engine that caught fire during the initial climb. A precipitated and incorrect trim adjustment on part of the crew and/or a structural failure following the loss of the port engine may be considered as contributing factors.