VH-AOP
Flight / Schedule
VH-AOP
Aircraft
De Havilland DH.84 DragonRegistration
VH-AOP
MSN
2010
Year of Manufacture
1943
Operator
Mandated AirlinesDate
August 9, 1954 at 12:00 AM
Type
CRASHFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Crash Location
Hayfield East Sepik
Region
Oceania • Papua New Guinea
Coordinates
-3.6891°, 143.0583°
Crash Cause
Technical failure
Narrative Report
On August 9, 1954 at 12:00 AM, VH-AOP experienced a crash involving De Havilland DH.84 Dragon, operated by Mandated Airlines, with the event recorded near Hayfield East Sepik.
The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.
8 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 8 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.
Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 7, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.
The listed crash cause is technical failure. Apparently, the pilot encountered technical problems with the brakes and decided to abandon the takeoff procedure. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the twin engine aircraft overran and crashed in flames in a deep ravine. All eight occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed by fire.
Aircraft reference details include registration VH-AOP, MSN 2010, year of manufacture 1943.
Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately -3.6891°, 143.0583°.
Fatalities
Total
0
Crew
0
Passengers
0
Other
0
Crash Summary
Apparently, the pilot encountered technical problems with the brakes and decided to abandon the takeoff procedure. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the twin engine aircraft overran and crashed in flames in a deep ravine. All eight occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed by fire.
Cause: Technical failure
Occupants & Outcome
Crew On Board
1
Passengers On Board
7
Estimated Survivors
8
Fatality Rate
0.0%
Known people on board: 8
Operational Details
Operator
Mandated AirlinesFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Region / Country
Oceania • Papua New Guinea
Aircraft Details
Similar Plane Crashes
Guinea Airways
De Havilland DH.9
Shortly after takeoff from Wau Airport, while climbing, the aircraft stalled and crashed in the Bulolo River, some 8 miles north of the airport. While both occupants were injured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Airgold
Ryan B-1 Brougham
On approach to Lae, the single engine airplane stalled and crashed in the sea. Both occupants were rescued and the aircraft sank and was lost.
Airgold
Avro 504
While on approach to Lae, the single engine airplane crashed, bursting into flames. Both occupants were injured.
Guinea Airways
Junkers W.34
On final approach to Wau, the aircraft stalled and crashed. The pilot was injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Ellyou Goldfields Development Corporation
Handley Page H.P.27
En route from Salamaua to Wau, the aircraft hit the slope of Mt Misim located in the Kuper Range, some 10 km east of Wau. The occupant fate remains unknown.
Guinea Airways
De Havilland DH.60 Moth
On the last segment, while landing, the aircraft was caught by strong winds. The single engine airplane hit the ground, went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest. While both occupants were injured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
