What happened
During a local training session at Mangalore Airport, Victoria, the crew of a Vickers Viscount, registration VH-TVA, performed an engine failure simulation. As the aircraft reached V1 speed on runway 22, the instructor deactivated the fourth engine and feathered the propeller to mimic an inoperative engine. The pilot-in-control proceeded with the takeoff roll.
Shortly after the aircraft rotated, it began a rightward turn. Upon reaching an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the plane entered a stall and crashed into a field located less than one kilometer west of the airport, resulting in a post-impact fire. The accident resulted in three fatalities among the pilots and five injuries to the crew, with three individuals sustaining serious wounds. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
Findings
The investigation determined that the takeoff was being conducted in a critical configuration with the number four engine inoperative. Under these specific conditions, with 20° flaps and full power from the remaining engines, a minimum speed of 96 knots is required to maintain directional control using rudder and aileron inputs. However, calculations indicated the aircraft's speed at liftoff was only between 85 and 90 knots.
The primary cause was an error of judgment by the pilot-in-command, who lifted the aircraft into the air at a speed below the minimum control threshold. The pilot experienced difficulty maintaining the heading during the ground run, likely due to the release of nose-wheel steering during the transition of controls. Additionally, the pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft type was a contributing factor. It was also noted that the severity of the injuries suggests the crew may have survived had they been utilizing their full safety harnesses.