De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou

Perkumpulan Penerbangan Alfa Indonesia

A DHC-4 Caribou aircraft, registered PK-SWW was being operated by Perkumpulan Penerbangan Alfa Indonesia, on 31 October 2016 on an unscheduled cargo flight from Moses Kilangin Airport Timika, with intended destination to Kaminggaru Aerodrome, Ilaga Papua. On board on this flight was 4 persons consisted of two pilots, one company engineer and one flight operation officer. At 2257 UTC, the aircraft departed Timika with intended cruising altitude of 12,500 feet and estimated time of arrival Ilaga at 2327 UTC. At 2323 UTC, the pilot made initial contact with Ilaga Aerodrome Flight Information Services (AFIS) officer and reported that the aircraft position was at Ilaga Pass and informed the estimate time of arrival Ilaga would be on 2327 UTC. Ilaga Aerodrome Flight Information Services (AFIS) officer advised to continue descend to circuit altitude and to report when position on downwind. At 2330 UTC, the AFIS officer called the pilot and was not replied. The AFIS officer asked pilot of another aircraft in the vicinity to contact the pilot of the DHC-4 Caribou aircraft and did not reply. At 0020 UTC, Sentani Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) officer declared the aircraft status as ALERFA. At 0022 UTC, Timika Tower controller received information from a pilot of an aircraft that Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was detected approximately at 40 – 45 Nm with radial 060° from TMK VOR (Very High Frequency Omni Range) or approximately at coordinate 4°7’46” S; 137°38’11” E. This position was between Ilaga Pass and Jila Pass. At 0053 UTC, the aircraft declared as DETRESFA. On 1 November 2016, the aircraft wreckage was found on a ridge of mountain between Ilaga Pass and Jila Pass at coordinate 4°5’55.10” S; 137°38’47.60” E with altitude approximately of 13,000 feet. All occupants were fatally injured and the aircraft destroyed by impact force.

Trigana Air Service

After landing on wet gravel runway 11/29, the aircraft veered off runway and came to rest in a wooded area, broken in two. All five occupants escaped uninjured.

Greatland Air Cargo

The captain and the first officer were landing a short takeoff and landing (STOL) cargo airplane on a private, dirt and gravel surface runway. The airplane was configured for landing with 40 degrees of flaps. During the landing approach, variations in indicated airspeed and ground speed indicated windshear conditions. About 100 to 200 feet above the ground, the airplane encountered a downdraft and began to drift to the right of the runway centerline. The captain said she increased engine power and applied full left aileron and rudder, but could not gain directional or pitch control of the airplane. The right wing struck trees, short of the runway threshold, increasing the airplane's right yaw. The captain said that as the airplane neared the ground, she pulled the engine throttles off. The airplane struck the ground with the right main landing gear and right front portion of the fuselage. The airplane then pivoted to the right, 180 degrees from the approach heading. The owner of the airport reported that wind conditions from the east may produce downdrafts in the area of runway 05. He indicated that at the time of the accident, the wind was blowing from the east about 15 knots. The first officer reported the captain appeared to be attempting to maintain a stabilized approach angle by varying the pitch attitude of the airplane. A review of company training literature revealed that the airplane is especially sensitive to slight wind shear, and wind gusts as low as 5 knots when operating at low airspeeds. Pilots are cautioned that when flying the aircraft at low speeds, a large application of the aileron control may be required to maintain wings level. During gusty wind conditions, the threshold airspeed should be increased by one-half the gust factor, and any lateral displacement should be corrected rapidly. If a wing is allowed to drop beyond corrective action of full aileron, power should be increased immediately to regain level flight.

Royal Malaysian Air Force - Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia

The crew was completing a local training flight at Kuching Airport. On final approach, one of the engine failed. The aircraft lost height and crashed in a swampy area near the airport. All five occupants were killed.

SouthCentral Air

The CFR Part 135 cargo flight departed at night on an IFR flight with a load of mining equipment. Route of flight was over remote/mountainous terrain. About 2 hours after takeoff, while cruising at 12,000' feet msl, the right engine and propeller began to overspeed. The captain feathered the #2 engine and declared an emergency. He began to divert to an alternate destination, about 120 miles away in an area of lower terrain, but the aircraft would not maintain altitude (single engine service ceiling, as loaded, was about 8,700 feet). The captain increased power to the left engine, but it began to produce banging and coughing noises. The captain elected to perform an emergency landing at a nearby, remote, military airfield (A/F). The A/F was located in mountainous terrain and had a one-way, daylight only approach. The captain lowered the gear and flaps, and began a visual approach while attempting to keep the runway end identifier lights (REIL) in view. The aircraft encountered severe turbulence, and the captain applied full throttle to the left engine in an attempt to climb. The REIL disappeared from view, and the aircraft collided with snow covered terrain about 2 miles west of the A/F. Ground personnel at the A/F reported high winds and blowing snow with limited visibility. Postcrash exam of the right engine revealed a loss of the propeller control system hydraulic oil. Flight at 12,000 feet was conducted without crew oxygen. The crew had exceeded their maximum allowable duty day without adequate crew rest.

Greatland Air Cargo

The airplane's nose gear collapsed during a landing roll on a gravel airstrip. Subsequent examination of the nose gear locking mechanism disclosed a failed hydraulic drag strut locking actuator.

Operation Blessing

The crew was completing a humanitarian flight when the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances shortly after takeoff. Both pilots were injured.

Royal Malaysian Air Force - Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia

The crew was completing a local training flight at Labuan Airport. Following several touch-and-go manoeuvres, the crew initiated a new approach when one of the engine failed. The aircraft stalled and crashed in the sea few hundred metres offshore. Three crew members were killed and three others were seriously injured.

Garamut Aviation

While descending to Tabubil Airport on a cargo flight from Port Moresby, the crew encountered poor weather conditions and decided to divert to Kiunga. While approaching Kiunga, the right engine failed, followed shortly later by the left engine. The aircraft lost height, struck trees and crashed 5 km from the airport. One pilot survived while both other occupants were killed. The aircraft was leased to the Vanimo Trading Company.

NewCal Aviation

Following maintenance, the crew was engaged in a local test flight at Gimli Airport. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing steeply to a height of about 200 feet, the aircraft entered a right turn then nosed down and crashed near the runway, bursting into flames. All three occupants were killed.

Kenn Borek Air

The DHC-4A Caribou aircraft was en route from Calgary to Ross River where it was to be used to transport silver ore concentrate from the mines at Plata to Ross River. On board were two pilots, two company aircraft maintenance engineers to service the aircraft, and about 5,500 pounds of aircraft parts and equipment to support the operation of the aircraft in Ross River. One refuelling stop was made at Fort Nelson, after which the aircraft proceeded on an IFR flight plan to its destination. Ross River has no published instrument approach and is situated in a valley in mountainous terrain. It was necessary to overfly Ross River, proceed 30 miles to the northwest and complete an NDB approach at Faro where the minimum circling altitude is 2,709 feet agl. When below cloud at Faro, the aircraft must then proceed visually up the river valley to Ross River. The Caribou arrived over Faro at approximately 16:15, and an attempt was made to descend below the cloud base which was reported to be 400 to 600 feet agl. When visual reference with the ground was not made, the pilot climbed out to the southeast and informed Faro Community Airport Radio Station (CARS) that he was proceeding to his alternate, Watson Lake. In cruise flight the no. 2 engine began to lose oil, causing the oil pressure to drop to zero. The right engine was then shut down, and the propeller was feathered. A little later, the aircraft was heard flying out to the southeast for an approach to runway 26 at the Ross River Airport. On approach the landing gear had to be recycled because the nose gear did not lock down during the first attempt to lower the gear. The plane was no longer in a position to land, so the captain initiated a go-around. The aircraft passed by the town and then began to lose altitude, descending gradually into the trees. Portions of the right wing were torn off on contact with the trees, and the plane rolled to the right and nosed into the ground. The aircraft then cartwheeled over the embankment and down onto the river shore 20 feet below.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The crew was completing a local training flight at Camden Airport. On final approach, the pilot-in-command initiated a go-around when the aircraft stalled and crashed. There were no casualties while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Woods Air Service - Woods Air Fuel

Witnesses observed the aircraft on final approach with its gear down then the nose pitched up. The aircraft rolled left and crashed into trees. The aircraft's cockpit, cabin, engine nacelles, cargo and portions of the wings were destroyed by post-impact fire. Post accident examination of the aircraft revealed the landing gear was in the up and locked position and the flaps were at 30°. This is consistent with a go-around configuration. No mechanical malfunction/failure could be determined. The aircraft had a restricted category airworthiness certificate. The cargo area contained two fuel tanks and assorted items (oil stove, tools, 55 gallon drum and hoses). The pilot was type rated in this aircraft. The runway length listed in the Alaska supplement was 1,000 feet longer than the actual runway length. The runway was glazed with ice. Both occupants were killed.

NewCal Aviation

Pilot ditched aircraft in Atlantic Ocean following a loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. Copilot stated they were aware of bad weather along the route but the pilot was anxious to get to their destination. Headwinds encountered en route were stronger then expected. Copilot stated they had shut down one of the engines approximately 1/2 hour before the ditching in an effort to conserve fuel. A pilot died while the second was rescued.

Indian Air Force - Bharatiya Vayu Sena

Crashed in unknown circumstances, killing all three crew members.

Royal Malaysian Air Force - Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia

The twin engine airplane was completing a flight from Taiping to Kuala Lumpur under call sign 'Misty 116B'. En route, while cruising over the Cameron Mountain Range, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances in a wooded and isolated area. The wreckage was found a day later and all seven occupants were killed.

Aerolineas Condor

While cruising in bad weather conditions on a flight from Zumba to Loja, the crew got disoriented when the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located in the region of Valladolid. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 44 occupants were killed.

Masin Aircraft Company

Suffered an accident somewhere in Switzerland in October 1981, exact date unknown. There were no casualties.

PropAir

Crashed in unknown circumstances in Mont-Joli. There were no casualties.

Royal Malaysian Air Force - Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia

En route from Balikpapan to Kuching, a warning light came on in the cockpit panel, indicating a low oil pressure on the left engine. The crew shut down the left engine and feathered its propeller. Due to bad weather in Kuching, the captain decided to divert to Simanggang where the airplane landed safely on one engine. After touchdown, the airplane decelerated and the pilot-in-command completed a 180 turn then a backtrack procedure when one of the landing gear went into a soft ground along the runway edge. After the left engine oil tank was filled, the crew took off for Kuching. After liftoff, during initial climb, a warning light came on in the cockpit panel, indicating a technical problem with the feathering system on the right engine. The airplane started to roll left and right then lost height and crashed in a jungle located 1,400 meters past the runway end. The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact and all three crew members were injured.

Sea Airmotive

During initial climb, the cargo shifted, causing the aircraft to stall and to crash in flames within the runway. The aircraft was destroyed and all three crew members were killed.

Air Inuit

The airplane was on a ferry flight from Guyana to Quebec (St Jean) following a 15 months period of storage in Guyana. While cruising south of Barbados Island, the crew informed ATC that an engine failed while the second was overheating. Few minutes later, the airplane crashed in the Caribbean sea about 77 km south of Bridgetown. SAR operations were initiated but eventually abandoned few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the three crew members was found. Crew: Dave Holland, pilot, Grant Davidson, pilot, Richard Cusson, flight engineer.

Uganda Police Air Wing

The aircraft was operating circuits, from Entebbe Airport, for the purpose of a DHC-4 Type Rating (Night) Flight Examination. The cadet pilot was flying the aircraft from the left hand seat while the check captain occupied the right hand seat. There were no passengers. The first circuit involved a simulated hydraulic failure and was completed without incident. During the second circuit the starboard engine was intentionally feathered and the aircraft made a landing approach on one engine. Just prior to touchdown a sudden increase in engine power resulted in the aircraft yawing and rolling steeply towards the starboard side. The aircraft started skidding on its starboard wheel and wing tip. It skidded across the runway and over the adjoining grass strip, towards the aerodrome boundary. Somme 220 m further down, the aircraft crossed a drainage ditch and crashed through a barbed wire fence around the aerodrome perimeter. The fuselage broke in half during the crash and the wreckage came to a halt approximately 15 m beyond the aerodrome perimeter. The check captain suffered severe back injuries; the cadet pilot sustained no injuries. Investigations carried out after the accident revealed that the aircraft was operating satisfactorily prior to the accident. It is concluded that the probable cause of the accident was the application of considerable engine power when the aircraft was in an asymmetric landing configuration and at a speed probably below the single engine minimum control speed (Vmc). Lack of understanding between the two flight crew as to what each was doing immediately prior to the accident and the student/instructor relationship between the two crew members as well as the prevailing dark night conditions were contributory factors.

United States Army

Crashed in unknown circumstances. Crew fate unknown as well as the exact date of the mishap, somewhere in 1975.

Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces

Crashed in unknown circumstances. Occupant's fate remains unknown.

Masin Aircraft Company

En route on a positioning flight from Algiers to Basel, the crew encountered technical problems with the right engine that failed following a loss of hydraulic pressure. The decision to divert to Valence-Chabeuil Airport for an emergency landing was taken. Eventually, the crew was forced to make a belly landing in an open field located few km from the airfield. Both pilots escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Sultan of Oman Air Force

Crashed in unknown circumstances.

Sultan of Oman Air Force

The airplane crashed in unknown circumstances somewhere in Oman during May 1973, exact date unknown.

Air America

While on a supply mission from Pakse and flying at low height, the airplane was struck by ground fire and crashed in flames in the region of Salavan. All four occupants were killed.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The aircraft was completing a flight from Lae to Port Moresby, carrying three crew members and 26 cadets of the PNG Army. After passing over Wau in good weather conditions, the pilot decided to enter the Kudjeru Gap Valley when the weather conditions worsened rapidly with clouds up to 10,500 feet. At an altitude of 5,000 feet while trying to gain height, the right wing struck trees and the aircraft crashed on the slope of a mountain, about 50 meters below the summit. The wreckage was found three days later. Five injured passengers were evacuated but one of them died from his injuries.

Air America

On final approach to Pha Khao Airstrip (LS-14), obstruction was sighted on the runway and the captain decided to make a go-around. For unknown reason, the left engine failed to respond and the aircraft stalled and struck the runway surface. It bounced heavily, went out of control and veered off runway. It lost its undercarriage and its right wing before coming to rest. All 34 passengers, Laotian military personnel, were evacuated while all a crew member was killed, three other being injured. Crew: Gordon V. Smith, pilot, D. M. Houston, copilot, M. S. Bailey, flight engineer, Khamouth Sousadalay, kicker. †

United States Air Force - USAF

En route to McClellan AFB near Sacramento, the crew encountered unknown technical problems. The captain decided to ditch the aircraft near the Farallon Islands, some 30 miles west of San Francisco. All three crew members were rescued while the aircraft sank and was lost.

United States Air Force - USAF

Crashed in unknown circumstances near Ðà L<U+1EA1>t, South Vietnam. The aircraft was destroyed and all four crew members were injured.

United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight

Crashed in unknown circumstances. No casualties.

United States Air Force - USAF

While conducting a low level dropping mission (ammunitions), the airplane was shot down by enemy fire and crashed. All three crew members were killed. Crew: Cpt Julius Patrick Jaeger, 1st Lt Theron Carl Fehrenbach, T/Sgt Gordon Manson Gaylord.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was engaged in an ammunitions dropping mission in the region of Dak Seang. While flying at low altitude, the aircraft was struck by enemy fire and crashed in flames, killing all three crew members. Crew: Cpt James Anthony Gray, Maj Frederick W. Dauten, M/Sgt Russell Leo Klein.

United States Air Force - USAF

The crew was engaged in an ammunitions dropping mission in the region of Dak Seang. While flying at an altitude of 400 feet, the aircraft was struck by enemy fire. It flew for several seconds before crashing in flames 8 km further. All three crew members were killed. Crew: 1st Lt Steve Warren Train, 1st Lt Charles E. Suprenant, M/Sgt Dale Elling Christensen.

Royal Malaysian Air Force - Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia

Crashed in unknown circumstances into the Cowie Bay. Ten passengers were killed while nine other occupants were rescued.

Royal Thai Police

While completing a mission on behalf of the Royal Thai Border Police, the airplane struck the slope of Mt Nang Keo. All six occupants were killed.

United States Air Force - USAF

On final approach to Tiên Phu<U+1EDB>c, the airplane was hit by a mortal shell. Out of control, it dove into the ground and crashed few km short of runway threshold. The copilot survived while both other occupants were killed. Crew: 1st Lt David Bicknel Bowling, † 1st Lt R. J. Patterson, T/Sgt E. J. Welch. †

United States Air Force - USAF

While approaching Plei Djereng on a flight from Phù Cát, the airplane was shot down by small arms fire and crashed. All four crew members were killed. Crew: 1st Lt Robert Paul Wiesneth, 1st Lt Neil Norman Greinke, 1st Lt Charles Brent Ross, S/Sgt Frederick Wilhelm.

United States Air Force - USAF

The airplane suffered an engine failure in flight. Control was lost and it crashed in an open field located in Phu<U+1EDB>c Tuy. 1st Lt James Fielding Wohrer was killed while four others were injured.

United States Air Force - USAF

On final approach, the airplane was too low and crashed short of runway threshold. All three crew members were injured while the aircraft was destroyed.

United States Air Force - USAF

After touchdown at Vung Tàu Airfield, the airplane went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest. All five crew members escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

United States Air Force - USAF

Crashed in unknown circumstances in the Hàm Tân district, South Vietnam.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

Crashed in unknown circumstances while approaching Tapini Airstrip on a supply mission. The aircraft was destroyed and all four crew members were injured.

United States Air Force - USAF

Shortly after takeoff from Camp Evans AFB, while climbing to an altitude of 335 meters, the Caribou collided with a USAF Boeing-Vertol CH-47A Chinook registered 66-19041 that was approaching the same airbase with 6 passengers and five crew members on board. The rear rotor of the Chinook struck the cockpit of the Caribou. Following the collision, the Chinook and the Caribou dove into the ground and crashed few hundred yards from the runway end. All 26 occupants were killed in the accident and up to date, this was considered as the worst aerial collision involving USAF in Vietnam. At the time of the accident, the Caribou speed was about 190 km/h while the Chinook was approaching Camp Evans at a speed of 185 km/h. Caribou crew: Cpt Wayne Philip Bundy, 1st Lt Ralph Schiavone, S/Sgt Donald Gene Cleaver, S/Sgt James Kenneth Connor.

United States Air Force - USAF

While on an airlift flight near the Cambodian border, the aircraft was hit by enemy fire on its starboard wing. The airplane went out of control and crashed in flames, killing all three crew members. Crew: Cpt Robert George Bull, 1st Lt Ralph William Manners, A1C David Frederick Sleeper.

United States Air Force - USAF

While engaged in a dropping mission, the airplane was flying at low height and reduced speed when it stalled, struck trees and crashed in a wooded area. Two crew members were killed while two others were injured. Those killed were: Cpt Kenneth James Hoffman, A1C Gary Raymond McKendrick.

United States Air Force - USAF

On final approach to Ð<U+1EAF>k Tô Airfield, the airplane was hit by enemy fire, stalled and crashed in flames short of runway threshold. All 30 occupants were rescued while the aircraft was destroyed.