Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services

Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation

During the takeoff roll on runway 13 at Port Louis-Plaisance Airport, at a speed of 115 knots (just before V1 speed), the engine number three suffered a technical failure. The captain decided to abandon the takeoff procedure and started an emergency braking maneuver. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the four engine airplane overran, lost its undercarriage and came to rest in flames 100 yards farther. All 50 occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was completely destroyed by fire. Twenty people, among them four crew members, were injured.

De Havilland DH.84 Dragon

The aircraft was engaged in a flight from Mount Hagen to Madang with stops scheduled in Ogelbeng, Tremearne, Baiyer River, Wabag, Wapenamanda and Yarramunda, carrying two inspectors from the DCA and one pilot who were performing inspections of various local airfields. While flying in a narrow valley, the pilot elected to gain height when the aircraft hit trees and crashed in flames. The airplane was destroyed by a post crash fire and all three occupants were killed. Crew: F/O Sydney W. Peebles.

Avro 691 Lancastrian

While accelerating during the takeoff run, the four engine aircraft deviated to the left. The captain applied right rudder and advanced the throttles with the number one engine leading to compensate. Unfortunately, the number one engine failed. Despite this corrective action, the airplane went out of control and veered off runway to the right. When it departed the pavement, the right main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft came to rest. All seven crew members were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

De Havilland DH.84 Dragon

The pilot, Captain Frederick G. Barlogie, was performing a cargo flight from Lae to Wabag. En route, he encountered poor conditions with reduced visibility due to smoke haze. The twin engine aircraft was flying at an insufficient height when it hit obstacles and crashed in a wooded area located 5 km from Katanka Airstrip. The aircraft was destroyed and the sole occupant was killed.

De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover

The three engine aircraft left Bulolo at 0835LT bound for Lae. 31 minutes later, while approaching Lae Airport, the pilot informed ground about his position over the mouth of Markham River. While flying in a visibility of two miles due to rain falls, the pilot lost control of the aircraft that crashed in to the Huon Gulf, about four miles south of Lae Airport. Some debris were found around noon and all seven occupants were killed, among them the pilot Captain J. W. Spiers. Source: http://www.goodall.com.au/australian-aviation/drover/drover.htm

Short S.25 Sandringham

While taxiing in the harbor of Port Vila, ready for takeoff, the pilot in command was apparently forced to make an evasive maneuver due to the presence of canoe's crossing his path. Doing so, the seaplane hit coral that punctured the bottom of the fuselage, causing water to penetrate into the aircraft that sank on its nose and was partially submerged. All occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was written off. Photos via http://www.aussieairliners.org/

De Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth

The single engine airplane was performing a flight from Port Moresby with three passengers, one pilot and two sacks of rice. Upon landing, an undercarriage failed. The aircraft veered off runway and eventually collided with an embankment. All four occupants were unhurt while the aircraft was not repaired and considered as damaged beyond repair. It was reported that the pilot was normally on DC-3's and that his experience on DH.83 Fox Moth was negligible. Apparently, the aircraft encountered katabatic winds on landing.

Avro 652 Anson

During a downwind takeoff roll at Kerowagi Airfield, the left main gear hit a drain and collapsed. The aircraft went out of control, veered off runway to the left and came to rest. The pilot Neville Mitchell was slightly injured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Avro 691 Lancastrian

The crew was performing a local training mission. After several landings and takeoffs completed, the crew consisting of one instructor and seven pilots under supervision decided to perform a flapless landing. After touchdown, the pilot in command realized that his speed was too high and that he would be unable to stop within the remaining distance. He took the decision to make a sharp turn to the right to vacate the runway when the left main gear collapsed. The left wing contacted the ground and was sheared off at the root, causing the fuel to flow on the ground and to ignite while contacting sparks generated by the friction of the metal with the runway surface. The aircraft veered off runway and came to rest in flames. All eight occupants were quickly evacuated while the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Lockheed 10 Electra

Enroute from Brisbane-Archerfield to Roma, while flying in the region of Condamine in poor weather conditions, the right engine failed. The crew reduced his altitude and elected to make an emergency landing when the aircraft hit a tree and crashed in a field. A passenger and a pilot were slightly injured while all other occupants were unarmed. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.