No fatalities

1981-07-04: Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (VH-DEE) — Royal Flying Doctor Service - RFDS — Mount Augustus, Australia

Mount Augustus, AustraliaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 4, 1981, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration VH-DEE) operated by Royal Flying Doctor Service - RFDS was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Augustus, Australia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781222462Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane on an ambulance flight from Carnarvon to Mount Augustus struck trees and crashed while turning onto final approach. Both occupants were injured and the aircraft destroyed.

Accident Overview

On a moonless night, a twin-engine airplane departed Carnarvon on an ambulance mission to evacuate a sick child from Mount Augustus. The aircraft carried one pilot and one nurse. The approach to Mount Augustus was conducted under limited visibility conditions. To assist the crew, six vehicles were dispatched on the ground with their lights on.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane turned onto final approach, it descended too low. The aircraft struck trees and subsequently crashed. The collision caused substantial damage, resulting in the destruction of the airplane.

Aftermath

Both occupants—the pilot and the nurse—sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. No information has been released regarding registration, date, or further details of the flight.