No fatalities

Both Engines Fail on Positioning Flight Leading to Ditching (ZK-DHF)

Pacific Ocean, WorldFlight

On March 23, 1975, a Rockwell Grand Commander 680 (registration ZK-DHF) operated by Geyserland Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Pacific Ocean, World in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure caused by a fuel exhaustion. It is believed that the fuel quantity was insufficient to cover the distance or that the crew encountered strong headwinds, increasing the fuel consumption. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A positioning flight from Pago Pago to Honolulu experienced dual engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, forcing the crew to ditch about 100 km south of Honolulu. Both pilots were rescued; the aircraft sank.

Incident Overview

The crew was conducting a positioning flight from Pago Pago to Honolulu. As the aircraft approached Honolulu from the south, both engines failed. The crew informed air traffic control of the situation and reduced altitude in an attempt to ditch the aircraft. The ditching occurred approximately 100 kilometers south of Honolulu.

Rescue and Aftermath

Both pilots were quickly rescued after the ditching. The airplane subsequently sank and was lost. No further details about the rescue operation or the condition of the crew were provided.

Probable Cause

According to the official findings, the probable cause of the double engine failure was fuel exhaustion. Investigators believe that the fuel quantity was insufficient to cover the distance from Pago Pago to Honolulu, or that the crew encountered strong headwinds, which increased fuel consumption.