De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide

Historic Flight Foundation

The vintage de Havilland DH-89A MKIV Dragon Rapide biplane (U.S. registration N683DH, serial number 6782) operated by Historic Flight Foundation was part of the static aircraft display at the Abbotsford International Airshow at Abbotsford Airport (CYXX), British Columbia. Following the conclusion of the airshow that day, the aircraft was being used to provide air rides. At approximately 1731 on 11 August 2018, the aircraft began its takeoff from Runway 25 with the pilot and 4 passengers on board for a local flight to the southeast. During the takeoff, the aircraft encountered strong, gusting crosswinds. It climbed to about 30 feet above ground level before descending suddenly and impacting the runway, coming to rest on its nose immediately off the right edge of the runway. Within 2 minutes, 2 aircraft rescue firefighting trucks arrived on the scene along with an operations/command vehicle. About 10 minutes later, 2 St. John Ambulances arrived. A representative of the HFF was escorted to the scene to ensure all electronics on the aircraft were turned off. Shortly thereafter, 2 BC Ambulance Service ground ambulances arrived, followed by 2 City of Abbotsford fire trucks. Two BC Ambulance Service air ambulances arrived after that. The fire trucks stabilized the aircraft, and the first responders who arrived with the fire truck finished evacuating the occupants. The pilot and 1 passenger received serious injuries; the other 3 passengers received minor injuries. All of the aircraft occupants were taken to the hospital. The aircraft was substantially damaged. There was a fuel spill, but no fire. The emergency locator transmitter activated.

Paul A. %26 Andrew Wood

The pilot, sole on board, departed Biggleswade bound for Audley End to take part to an airshow. On completion of the fourth turn, which was wider than previous turns, the aircraft rolled out on a westerly heading and rpm on both fixed-pitch propellers was reduced to around idle. The aircraft decelerated in straight and level flight with the flaps lowered and in a progressively more nose-up attitude. At low airspeed, mid-way along the display axis, the aircraft rolled to starboard and entered a spin to the right from a height of between 400 and 500 feet. It crashed approximately 300 metres north of the display axis and behind a line of trees which obscured spectator's view of the impact. The pilot was killed.

Proteus Petroleum

After takeoff from runway 20 at Oxford-Kidlington Airport, while climbing to an altitude of 1,500 feet, the pilot reduced engine power when the right engine failed. He informed ATC at Oxford Airport and was cleared to return. Shortly later, the right engine caught fire and the pilot attempted an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed in a soft ground about 8 km south of the airport, bursting into flames. The pilot escaped uninjured.

Para Club de Tananarive

Shortly after liftoff, while in initial climb, the airplane stalled and crashed. All six occupants (five skydivers and one pilot) were uninjured while the aircraft was destroyed.

Skydivers Flying Club

Following a successfully skydiving mission in the region of Halfpenny Green Airport, the crew was returning to his base when the airplane crashed on landing for unknown reason. All three occupants survived while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Southern Scenic Air-Services

About 15 minutes after departure from Te Anau-Manapouri Airport, the left engine vibrated then failed. The pilot continued his route to Queenstown-Frankton Airport when on approach, the right engine failed as well. The pilot attempted an emergency landing when the airplane crashed in the Shotover River located few km from the airfield. All three occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Private Australian

Crashed in unknown circumstances at Brisbane-Archerfield Airport while completing a local training flight with skydivers. Both occupants were uninjured while the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair.

Southern Scenic Air-Services

The twin engine aircraft was involved in an aerial photography mission out from Wellington. En route, the pilot encountered whiteout conditions and lost his orientation when the airplane struck the slope of Mt Soho located about 9 km north of Arrowtown, Otago. All five occupants were rescued and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Southern Scenic Air-Services

At liftoff, the airplane went out of control and struck the runway surface before coming to rest. All three occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair.

Solair Flying Services

The aircraft was on a flight from Middleton St. George to Birmingham, and the crew of one pilot and one photographer planned to complete several photographic survey jobs en route. Shortly after sunset, when flying at 2,000 ft. a.m.s.l. at an estimated position five miles west of Sheffield and near high ground rising to 2,000 ft. a.m.s.l., the pilot decided that the fuel remaining was insufficient to reach Birmingham with the existing headwind of 40 knots. He established contact with Manchester Approach Control and was given permission to divert to Manchester Airport on a special VFR clearance "not above 3,500 ft. a.m.s.l. on a QNH of 1013 mbs., clear of all cloud, and in sight of the surface". Shortly after this, when on a north-westerly heading to intercept a QDM of 270°M to the 'ME' (Manchester) beacon, the pilot saw hill tops about four miles ahead and commenced climbing from 2,000 ft. to 3,500 ft. The pilot states that the aircraft entered cloud at 2,500 ft. and that, on reaching 2,700 ft., he noticed that the vertical speed indicator was showing a descent of 2,000 ft./min. He states that he applied full power and eased the nose up but, after this, he remembers nothing further until he regained consciousness lying on the ground, alongside the photographer in front of the wrecked aircraft.

Ladysmith Air Charter

After touchdown at Ladysmith Airport, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and came to rest. All six occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair.

Mayflower Air Services

The aircraft was engaged on a scheduled service from the Scilly Isles to Plymouth, carrying seven passengers, with one pilot. During the take-off run from a grass strip at St. Mary's Aerodrome, in calm conditions, the aircraft developed a series of bounces and swung sharply to the left and then to the right. It became airborne shortly before crossing the boundary of the useable area of the aerodrome. It then banked to the right and the tip of the lower starboard wing was seen to cut through gorse bushes in the overrun area. A few yards further on the starboard wing struck a large rock and the aircraft cartwheeled and caught fire, coming to rest with the rear part of the fuselage overhanging a cliff. All seven passengers escaped through the emergency hatch in the cabin roof, and the pilot, who was seriously injured, was extricated from the cockpit wreckage by a member of the aerodrome fire service and an airline employee. Source: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=28532

Cogeair - Compagnie Générale Aérienne Africaine

Following an uneventful flight from Ndola to Mweka, the Cogeair (Compagnie Générale Aérienne Africaine) twin engine airplane was taxiing when control was lost for unknown reason. The aircraft came to rest on its nose and was damaged beyond repair. All eight occupants were uninjured. The accident occurred between 04SEP1962 and 31DEC1962, thus the exact date remains unknown.

Caspair

On final approach to Entebbe Airport, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed short of runway threshold. All four passengers were injured while the pilot was killed. It is believed he suffered a heart attack.

British European Airways - BEA

On final approach to Land's End Airport, the twin engine aircraft was too low and struck the ground short of runway. The left main gear was sheared off and the airplane came to rest with its both left wings partially sheared off. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Groupement Aéronautique et Automobile

Crashed shortly after takeoff from Libreville Airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all seven occupants were injured.

Skyways Coach-Air

Landed hard, bounced and came to rest at Lympne Aerodrome, Kent. All six occupants were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Private French

Crashed in unknown circumstances into the Atlantic Ocean during the year 1960 (exact date remains unknown).

Borneo Airways

On final approach to Kota Kinabalu Airport, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed at Jesselton Point, about 5 km from runway 20 threshold. All five occupants were injured and the aircraft was written off.

Air Brousse

On approach to Gbadolite Airport, a fuel exhaustion forced the pilot to attempt an emergency landing. The twin engine aircraft crash landed in Molegbe, about 7 km west of the airport and came to rest. All six occupants were rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Société Générale d'Affrètement Aérien

Crashed on landing for unknown reason. Both occupants were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Zonen Aviation - Zone-Redningskorpset Flyve-Tjenesten

The twin engine aircraft, chartered by the Danish Football Association, was involved in a special flight from Copenhagen to Herning, carrying one pilot and eight football players who should play a final trial match at Herning stadium to select the Danish squad for the 1960 Olympic tournament. Three of these eight players had been provisionally selected for the squad; the rest were B-team and youth internationals with a last chance to impress the selectors. Shortly after takeoff from Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport, while in initial climb, the pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed into the sea about 50 meters offshore. The pilot was seriously injured and lost a leg while all eight passengers were killed. The airplane was totally destroyed upon impact. Crew: Stig Vindeløv, pilot. Passengers: Per Funch Jensen, Erik Pondal Jensen, Kurt Krahmer, Søren Andersen, Børge Bastholm Larsen, Arne Karlsen, Ib Eskildsen, Erling Spalk.

Air Brousse

On final approach to Ndolo Airport in Léopoldville, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed in the district of Luozi, less than a km from the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were injured.

Air Brousse

Crashed on approach to Dakar Airport while on a flight from Léopoldville. All six occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Air Survey of India

The twin engine aircraft left Hyderabad-Begumpet Airport on a survey flight to Nagpur. En route, the airplane went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field located in Somarampet. All three occupants were killed. It is believed the accident was the consequence of an in-flight structural failure.

Don Everall Aviation

While attempting to land on the M1 highway still under construction, the airplane crashed in flames. The pilot and a passenger were killed while four other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed by fire. It was performing a special flight on behalf of Plascom/Tarmac Ltd.

British European Airways - BEA

After touchdown at Land's End Airport (St Just), the twin engine airplane was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran and struck a hedge before coming to rest. All six occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Jokai Assam Tea Company

Crashed in unknown circumstances while approaching Dibrugarh-Mohanbari Airbase. Both occupants were killed.

Island Air Services - UK

Crashed shortly after takeoff while involved in a local plaisance flight. All eight occupants escaped with minor injuries while the airplane was written off.

Bahamas Helicopters

Upon landing in a desert area in Benghazi, a tire burst. The airplane came to rest and was damaged beyond repair. All four occupants escaped uninjured.

Hürkus Hava Yollari

Crashed in unknown circumstances. Crew fate unknown.

Don Everall Aviation

On final approach to Birmingham Airport, both engines failed simultaneously. The crew elected to make an emergency landing but the aircraft crashed in flames in a field located in Berkswell, about 5 miles short of runway 33 threshold. While all nine occupants were injured, the aircraft was destroyed by fire. It is believed the accident was caused by a fuel exhaustion but fuel remained probably in auxiliary tank as the aircraft caught fire.

Transports Aériens du Gabon

While cruising at low height, the twin engine aircraft hit a tree and crashed in the Sanaga River, about 40 km south of Douala. As the airplane failed to arrive at Douala Airport, SAR operations were conducted and the wreckage was found near Mouangko five weeks later on October 26. The pilot was killed. For undetermined reason, he was flying at an insufficient altitude.

Lancashire Aircraft Corporation - LAC

En route from Blackpool, the pilot informed ATC about smoke in the cockpit and elected to divert to the nearest airport. As the situation on board became critical, he decided to attempt an emergency landing in a field located in Eccleshall. The aircraft crash landed and came to rest with severe damages to its undercarriage and wings. All seven occupants evacuated safely.

Oilfields Supply %26 Trading Company

Went out of control and crashed while taking off from Gerdes El Abid. The aircraft was written off while all seven occupants were rescued and evacuated. It is believed that the airplane hit soft sand while departing.

Air Brousse

An unexpected situation forced the pilot to attempt an emergency landing in Kikwit. The airplane was damaged beyond repair while all six occupants escaped uninjured.

Hürkus Hava Yollari

Crashed in unknown circumstances. Crew fate unknown.

Drakensberg Air Services

Crashed on landing at Mokhotlong Airport for unknown reason. There were no casualties.

Compagnie Autrex-Lopez-Loreta-Le Breton

Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft hit trees and crashed in a wooded area. All five occupants were injured.

Autair Ltd

A tire burst on landing. For unknown reason, the captain decided to go around when the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed near the runway end. The airplane was destroyed and all seven occupants were injured.

Arab Contracting %26 Trading Company

During the engine startup, the left engine caught fire. All six occupants were able to evacuate the cabin before the airplane would be destroyed by fire. The aircraft was preparing for a flight from H3 Oil Station (Southwest) located about 450 km west of Baghdad to Beirut, Lebanon.

Arkia Israeli Airlines

At liftoff, an engine failed. The aircraft overturned and crashed upside down. All six occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Aeroservices

Few minutes after takeoff from Jodhpur Airport, the twin engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances about 60 km east of the city. Both pilots were killed. They were in charge to deliver the airplane in Hanoi.

Iraq Petroleum Transport Company

Crashed and destroyed by fire in Bahrain. Occupant fate remains unknown.

Fiji Airways

Shortly after takeoff from Labasa Airport, the left engine failed. The aircraft stalled and crashed in flames. All six occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Zonen Aviation - Zone-Redningskorpset Flyve-Tjenesten

While completing an ambulance flight, the pilot was forced to attempt an emergency landing following a fuel exhaustion. The twin engine aircraft crash landed in a field located in Lynge. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off.

Oldstead Airlines

Ten minutes after his departure from Newcastle Airport, the pilot encountered severe icing conditions and the leading edge were contaminated with ice. At an altitude of 3,200 feet and while in a flat attitude, the twin engine aircraft hit the ground and crashed in fire. All eight occupants were seriously injured while the aircraft was destroyed.

East African Airways

The American writer Ernest Hemingway and his wife Mary were completing a safari in the region of the Muchison Falls in Uganda when their Cessna 180 registered VP-KLI hit a utility pole and crashed in a field on January 23. As they were wounded, it was decided to transfer them to Entebbe and a DH.89 of East African Airways was chartered. While taking off from Butiaba Airstrip, the Dragon exploded and crashed in flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all four occupants were seriously injured and burned.

Royal Navy

In flight, the twin engine aircraft hit the slope of a mountain located in the Glendun Mountain Range, Antrim. While the pilot Lt A. G. Cronin was injured, the radio operator H. Charlesworth was killed.

Dragon Airways

En route, the pilot encountered an unexpected situation and decided to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed in a field located in Pentreuchaf and came to rest in flames. All eight occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was destroyed by fire.