Turkey Creek – Alice Springs

On September 29, 1951 at 04:30 PM, Turkey Creek – Alice Springs experienced a crash involving De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, operated by Connellan Airways, with the event recorded near Turkey Creek (Warmum) Western Australia.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was parking at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

6 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 6 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: 5, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. Parked at Turkey Creek Aerodrome, ready for a flight to Alice Springs, the pilot started the engine when a fire erupted. All six occupants were able to evacuate the cabin before the aircraft would be destroyed by fire. Pilot was Eddie Connellan. Source: http://www.goodall.com.au/australian-aviation/dh89/dh89.htm

Aircraft reference details include registration VH-AIK, MSN 6497, year of manufacture 1941.