De Havilland DH.84 Dragon

Private Australian

At about 1107 Eastern Standard Time on 01OCT2012, a de Havilland Aircraft Pty Ltd DH-84 Dragon, registered VH-UXG (UXG), took off from Monto on a private flight to Caboolture, Queensland under the visual flight rules (VFR). On board the aircraft were the pilot/owner and five passengers. The weather conditions on departure were reported to include a light south-easterly wind with a high overcast and good visibility. Sometime after about 1230, the aircraft was seen near Tansey, about 150 km north-west of Caboolture on the direct track from Monto to Caboolture. The aircraft was reported flying in a south-easterly direction at the time, at an estimated height of 3,000 ft and in fine but overcast conditions. At 1315, the pilot contacted Brisbane Radar air traffic control (ATC) and advised that the aircraft’s position was about 37 NM (69 km) north of Caboolture and requested navigation assistance. At 1318, the pilot advised ATC that the aircraft was in ‘full cloud’. For most of the remainder of the flight, the pilot and ATC exchanged communications, at times relayed through a commercial flight and a rescue flight in the area due to the limited ATC radio coverage in the area at low altitude. At about 1320, a friend of one of the aircraft’s passengers received a telephone call from the passenger to say that she was in an aircraft and that they were ‘lost in a cloud’ and kept losing altitude. Witnesses in the Borumba Dam, Imbil and Kandanga areas 70 to 80 km north-north-west of Caboolture later reported that they heard and briefly saw the aircraft flying in and out of low cloud between about 1315 and 1415. At 1348, the pilot advised ATC that the aircraft had about an hour’s endurance remaining. The pilot’s last recorded transmission was at 1404. A search for the aircraft was coordinated by Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR). The aircraft wreckage was located on 3 October 2012, about 87 km north-west of Caboolture on the northern side of a steep, densely wooded ridge about 500 m above mean sea level. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) later determined that the aircraft probably impacted terrain at about 1421 on 01OCT2012. Preliminary analysis indicated that the aircraft collided with trees and terrain at a moderate to high speed, with a left angle of bank. The aircraft’s direction of travel at impact was toward the south-south-west.

J. O’Connell

Shortly after takeoff from Point Cook Airport on a local flight, while climbing, the twin engine airplane went out of control and crashed. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Auckland Flying School

Shortly after takeoff from Auckland-Ardmore Airport, while in initial climb, the left engine failed. The pilot elected to make an emergency landing when the airplane stalled and crashed in a grassy area. All eight occupants were injured and the airplane was written off. They were involved in a local skydiving mission.

Muir Airlines

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft turned to the right but failed to climb and after travelling some 8 miles was landed in an open field and overturned. All three occupants were slightly injured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Madang Air Charters

The twin engine aircraft was engaged in a local sightseeing flight, carrying two European tourists and one pilot. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, both engines encountered problems. The aircraft stalled and crashed in the harbor of Madang and came to rest upside down. All three occupants were quickly rescued and uninjured. An attempt to recover the airplane was made on November 8 but it broke in two when it went out of water.

Mandated Airlines

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.

Trans Australia Airlines - TAA

Shortly after takeoff from Cheviot Hill Aerodrome, while climbing to a height of 50 feet, the aircraft nosed down and crashed. The pilot Captain Martin Garrett and a passegner, Mrs. Kathleen O'Leary were killed. The Doctor Mr. O'Leary was injured while two other passengers, Mrs. King Lethbridge and her child were uninjured. The aircraft was involved in an ambulance flight to Charter Towers on behalf of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services

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.

Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services

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.

Mandated Airlines

The aircraft failed to gain height after takeoff and crashed. Three occupants, among them the pilot, were seriously injured. The aircraft was written off. Investigators found that the aircraft was overloaded by at least 18 kilograms and had 8 passengers and 2 crew, when only certificated to carry 6 passengers. Only 4 seat belts were fitted and no passengers were wearing seat belts. Unsecured freight was carried behind the passengers, moving forward on impact and hitting the passengers. The pilot had not completed a load sheet or calculated the centre of gravity. The tailwind on takeoff exceeded the maximum allowable for Kerowagi Airfield.

Mandated Airlines

En route, the pilot Tom Lumme was forced to make an emergency landing near Slate Creek for unknown reason. All six occupants were unhurt and rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Catholic Mission of the Holy Ghost

Crashed in flames while landing in Mingende. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and the pilot John Glover was killed. He was the father of the Catholic Mission of the Holy Ghost and was performing a cargo flight from Wewak to Mingende, delivering goods for the New Year's day.

Mandated Airlines

On May 11, the pilot John Spiers left Lae on a ferry flight to Sydney for the annual CofA renewal. On May 12, he departed Daru for Horn Island. Halfway across Torres Strait, he encountered a severe rain storm and turned back to Daru. At low level over sea, the pilot saw a small low mudflat island, so made a forced landing there, wrecking the Dragon. No radio on the aircraft, so Spiers waited to be found. A search was made by a Mandated Airlines C-47 with pilots Brian Carpenter and Tom Deegan as far south as the Australian Gulf country for 3 days. When returning to Daru from Horn Island, they spotted the Dragon on the mudflat island with Spiers sitting on the roof of the aircraft. He had been unable to find food and at high tide the island was mostly under water, so he stayed in the cabin of the Dragon while the sea gradually broke up the aircraft for 6 days without food, surviving by drinking rainwater. RAAF Catalina from Port Moresby landed off Turnagain Island, sent a crew member ashore in a rubber dinghy to collect Spiers. A storm blew up so Catalina returned to Moresby, leaving the two men on the island. They were rescued by a pearling lugger sent from Thursday Island. Source: http://www.goodall.com.au

Mandated Airlines

After takeoff from Lae-Nadzab Airport, while climbing vertical to the Huon Gulf, the right engine failed, followed shortly later by the left engine. The pilot reduced his altitude and ditched the aircraft off Lae. All three occupants were quickly rescued by a fisherman while the aircraft was lost. Testimony from the passenger: "I had the day off and Johnny Rose was doing a trip to Kokoda and Popondetta. I'd never been there and when he offered me a seat I jumped at it. He had another passenger on board, engineer Fred Starr. We took off and headed across the Huon Gulf in the general direction of Salamaua. Then bang, the starboard engine went. I wasn't too worried, we were only a few minutes out of Lae and John was a good pilot. Then bang, the port engine cut. Must have been water in our fuel. I said to John "How are we going?” he said "Not a hope in Hades". We hit the water with a tremendous splash, right alongside the Tenyo Maru. My seat belt snapped and I was hurled forward. My head went through the top of the cabin, right between the two metal spars. The hole was big enough to let me climb out as the Dragon settled in the water. I helped Fred Starr out and looked around for Johnny. There he was, still sitting in the cockpit with his head just above the water, fishing around for his camera. We persuaded him to join us on the upper wing." Source: http://www.goodall.com.au/australian-aviation/dh84-pt2/dh84-dragon-pt2.htm

Qantas Airways - Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services

Forced landing in trees in rugged terrain near the head of the Wampit River. Captain Ross K. Crabbe was en route from Lae to Wau with cases of supplies and two Australian passengers. Became trapped in a narrowing valley with low cloud base, deliberately put the aircraft into the spreading top branches of a tree. Crabb was hurled out of the cockpit through the nose and down to a ravine 36 meters below, injuring his back. The Dragon remained wedged in the top of the tree and his calls to the passengers were unanswered. A group of native hunters heard the crash and reported it to a nearby Government station. Two medical assistants were led to the scene, climbed the tree in the dark and administered morphine to the injured passengers and stayed with them for the night. The aircraft fabric was tearing as it moved and settled in the tree. Next day a team with a doctor arrived and the passengers were lowered in baskets. One seriously injured passenger was flown to Sydney by QEA DC-3 for plastic surgery for facial injuries. Source and photo: http://www.goodall.com.au/australian-aviation/dh84-pt2/dh84-dragon-pt2.htm

Mandated Airlines

While cruising at an altitude of 10,500 feet in poor weather conditions, while on a cargo flight from Kerowagi to Lae, the twin engine aircraft hit the rocky face of Mt Kerigomna (3,204 meters high). The wreckage was spotted by another Mandated Airlines crew three days later and the body of the pilot Douglas G. Tapsall, who was killed, was later recovered.

Mandated Airlines

Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, the right engine lost power and failed. The pilot made a turn to the left and attempted to make an emergency landing on a beach when the aircraft hit a coconut tree and crashed. The pilot was injured while five other occupants were unhurt. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Testimony from the pilot: "I drained both fuel tanks for water prior to take-off, but apparently there was still water in one. I had 5 passengers on board. I took off without trouble, but the instant we were off the starboard engine began misfiring, and it lost power fast. Because of the country I commenced a left turn, into the live engine, to try to reach the beach, but I couldn't make it. I put her down on a bit of a clearing in a sacsac swamp. The starboard wing bit a coconut palm and we slewed right around. I banged my head somewhere and got a cut scalp. The passengers were alright though. She burst into flames - was a write-off." Source: http://www.goodall.com.au/australian-aviation/dh84-pt2/dh84-dragon-pt2.htm

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

En route, the pilot lost control of the aircraft that dove into the ground and crashed in Mount Druitt, in the suburb of Sydney. All five crew members were killed. Crew: P/O George Ashurst, P/O Kenneth Arthur Henry Biggs, W/O Ian Castles Powell, Cpl Bruce Allan Brownjohn, LAC Henry Alan Taylor.

Air Travel

While approaching the Mt Saddle at low height, the twin engine aircraft was caught by updraft and gained altitude. Shortly later, the aircraft stalled and dove into a wooded area located on the Mt Hope, in the Kahurangi National Park. Four passengers and the pilot Colin G. Lewis were rescued while two others occupants including Bert Mercer, founder of this operator, were killed. The other passenger killed was also an employee of Air Travel.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

En route from Townsville-Garbutt Field with radar equipment on board, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances some 15 miles south of Croydon. The wreckage was found few hours later and both crew members were killed.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The crew was performing a survey flight to select sites for training exercises for paratroop battalion. While cruising at low altitude, the twin-engine aircraft went out of control and crashed into timber located 4 miles north of Limeburners Creek. Two crew members were rescued while three others were killed, among them the pilot. Crew: Sgt Hollingdale, pilot, † Denzel Leslie Govett, † Maj Smith, † Sgt Moran, LAC Barlow.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

En route, the twin engine aircraft disappeared. No trace of it nor the crew was ever found. It is believed that the aircraft crashed in the Burragorang Valley, and could possibly be submerged under the waters of Warragamba Dam. Crew (34th Squadron): Sgt Douglas Brian Doyle, pilot, F/O Geoffrey Hugh Lester, Sgt Francis Joseph Doyle, Lt Umstead, Lt Teague. Source: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

Shortly after take off from Adelaide-Parafield Airport, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed, killing both crew members. Crew (34th Squadron): P/O Milton Hubert Conkey, LAC Bernard James Hovey.

Airlines of Australia

Shortly after take off from Wenlock, while climbing, the left engine caught fire. The pilot Stewart G. Hack decided to return but on approach, the aircraft stalled and crashed in flames. While all five occupants were unhurt, the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

MacRobertson Miller Airlines

Shortly after take off from Broome Airport, while climbing, the aircraft stalled and crashed in flames. While all four occupants were slightly injured, the aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire.

Great Western %26 Southern Air Lines

The aircraft was carrying five passengers and a pilot from Saint Mary's, Scilly Islands, to Saint Just. While flying off the Scilly Islands, the aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a German Heinkel He.111 and crashed into the sea. All six members of the same family were killed. The mother was secretary to the Director General of the Ministry of Information. The father was the Secretary of Anglo-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce in London. All were flying back to Saint Just following holidays in the Scilly Islands. Crew: W. D. Anderson, captain. Passengers: Sheelagh Leggitt, John Leggitt, Jeannie Leggitt (11 years old), Romalita Leggitt (9 years old), Georgina Griffith (mother of Mrs Leggitt).

Allied Airways

En route, the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing for unknown reason. While the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, all seven occupants were unhurt.

Scottish Airways

Crashed in unknown circumstances on approach to RAF Hatston near Kirkwall. The aircraft was destroyed while all 9 occupants were uninjured.

Scottish Airways

On final approach to Inverness-Dalcross Airport, the twin engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances. All eight occupants were uninjured but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Mandated Airlines

On final approach to Wau Airfield, the twin engine aircraft was too low following a poor judgement on part of the pilot. He attempted to make a go around and increased engine power but the aircraft hit tree tops and crashed in a dense wooded area near the airport. The pilot and two passengers were killed while all three other occupants were injured. Crew: Ron E. Doyle.

Western Airways

Shortly after take off from Bristol-Filton Airport, the pilot encountered an hazardous situation and was forced to attempt an emergency landing in a field located in Weston-Super-Mare. While the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, all six occupants escaped uninjured.

Private French

The twin engine aircraft left Buc Airfield in Seine-et-Oise in the day bound for Agen. While descending to Agen Airport, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in a field located in La Réole. All six occupants were killed. Crew: Albert Garric, pilot and owner. Passengers: Mrs Garric, Max Garric, Mary Garric, Brigitte Fortune, Jean Castaing.

North Queensland Airways

On final approach to Innisfail Airport, the twin engine aircraft christened 'Cairns' stalled and crashed in a huge explosion short of runway. The pilot and four passengers were killed while four other passengers were seriously injured. The aircraft was totally wrecked. Crew: B. H. Goodson, pilot.

Blackpool %26 West Coast Air Service

The approach to Land’s End Airport was completed in very bad weather conditions. The twin engine aircraft hit the runway surface, went out of control and crashed. While all six passengers were injured, the pilot Captain Dustin was killed.

Air Afrique

While approaching Constantine, crew encountered poor weather conditions with low visibility caused by fog. Aircraft hit a hill and crashed near El Aria, some 45 km southeast of Constantine. All six occupants were injured.

Wrightways

Shortly after takeoff from Croydon Airport, while on a positioning flight, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed in a field in Purley. Both crewmen were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Air Afrique

Crashed in unknown circumstances. No casualties.

Air Travel %26 Survey

The crew was completing some controls on the aircraft prior to its delivery to Australia. On final approach to Croydon Airport, the twin engine aircraft was too low and crashed on a stone wall located 800 yards short of runway, at Beddington. All three crew were injured while the aircraft was destroyed. Crew: Philip Bailey, pilot, Thomas Valette, John Furnival.

North Queensland Airways

Shortly after takeoff from Cairns Airport, while climbing, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and dove into the ground before crashing 2 miles from the airport. All four occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Wilson Airways

Crashed on takeoff from Nairobi Airport. Both occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Commercial Air Hire

The pilot was performing a special flight on behalf of the Royal Air Force. En route, while cruising by night, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed in Stoney Cross, near Lyndhurst. All five occupants, among them pilot F. J. Birmingham, were killed.

Ethiopian Government

Shortly after takeoff from Akaki, while climbing, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed. The crew was performing a flight within Ethiopia on behalf of the Ethiopian Red Cross. Both occupants were injured while the aircraft was destroyed.

Commercial Air Hire

Just after leaving the English coast, while flying over The Channel, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into The Channel, few km off Lydd, Kent. All six occupants, five passengers and a pilot, were rescued while the aircraft sunk and was lost.

Railway Air Services

The twin engine aircraft left Manchester-Barton Airport at 1100LT bound for Ronaldsway, Isle of Man, with one pilot and one passenger on board. At 1155LT, the pilot reported he was flying at a height of some 500 feet in poor visibility. Less than fifteen minutes later, while cruising at an altitude of 1,500 feet, he saw the mountain at the last moment and tried to gain altitude. Unfortunately, the aircraft hit the slope of Mount Fair Snape Fell located some 30 km northeast of Blackpool and was destroyed by impact forces and post crash fire. Both occupants were killed. It appears the aircraft hit the mountain 200 feet from the summit and the correction made by the pilot was too late to avoid the obstacle. At the time of the accident, the visibility was reduced due to mist. Crew: Cedric Rex Crow, pilot. Passenger: Ronald Swales.

WR Carpenter %26 Company

The pilot was performing a cargo flight from Salamaua to Wau with supplies to the Black Cat mining area. While approaching Wau, the twin engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances, killing the pilot Colin Ferguson, sole on board.

Jersey Airways

Shortly after takeoff from Cardiff Airport, while climbing, the twin engine aircraft christened 'Saint Clements Bay' stalled and crashed in a muddy field. Three passengers were killed while all five other occupants were injured. Aircraft was destroyed.

Blackpool %26 West Coast Air Service

Crashed on takeoff for unknown reason. All six occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Railway Air Services

While taking off from Douglas-Ronaldsway Airport, the twin engine aircraft crashed and burst into flames. While all seven occupants were injured, the aircraft was destroyed by post crash fire. The airplane was on its way to Manchester-Ringway Airport with intermediate stops in Blackpool-Squires Gate Airport and Liverpool-Speke Airport.

Misrair

On final approach to Cairo-Almaza Airport, an engine failed. Due to strong head winds, aircraft stalled and crashed in El Arish, few km southwest of Almaza airport. Three passengers were seriously injured while all three other occupants, including the pilot, were killed.

Highland Airways

Shortly after take off from Inverness Airport, while climbing, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed in the Beauly Firth. All three occupants were injured while the aircraft was lost.