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Sibu Airport Accident: Single-Engine Fire and Crash in Wooded Area (VR-OAE)

Sibu, MalaysiaTakeoff (climb)

On September 7, 1963, a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer (registration VR-OAE) operated by Borneo Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Sibu, Malaysia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was a result of failure to obtain adequate height before returning to land, caused by the aircraft being outside the takeoff area and heading towards trees on rising ground; the initial turn to avoid these and subsequent alterations of heading to… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff from Sibu Airport, a right engine fire alarm triggered a return attempt. The aircraft stalled, struck trees, and crashed 5.6 km away. All 14 occupants were rescued, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview and Immediate Response Following departure from Sibu Airport, the aircraft experienced a right engine fire alarm while climbing to a height of 50 feet. The pilot shut down the affected engine and feathered its propeller. An attempt was made to return to the airport, but the aircraft subsequently stalled, struck trees, and crashed in a dense wooded area located 5.6 km from the airport. All 14 occupants were rescued, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from a failure to obtain adequate height before returning to land. The aircraft was outside the takeoff area and heading toward trees on rising ground. The initial turn to avoid these obstacles, along with subsequent heading alterations to avoid further obstacles, adversely affected the aircraft's climb performance.

Probable cause

The accident was a result of failure to obtain adequate height before returning to land, caused by the aircraft being outside the takeoff area and heading towards trees on rising ground; the initial turn to avoid these and subsequent alterations of heading to avoid further obstacles adversely affected the climb performance of the aircraft.
Controlled flight into terrain

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Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Sept 1963 Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer accident near Sibu, Malaysia?

After takeoff from Sibu Airport, a right engine fire alarm triggered a return attempt. The aircraft stalled, struck trees, and crashed 5.6 km away. All 14 occupants were rescued, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Sept 1963 Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Sept 1963 involved a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer, registration VR-OAE, operated by Borneo Airways, at Sibu, Malaysia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was a result of failure to obtain adequate height before returning to land, caused by the aircraft being outside the takeoff area and heading towards trees on rising ground; the initial turn to avoid these and subsequent alterations of heading to avoid further obstacles adversely affected the climb…

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