Incident Overview
Date: Friday 31 March 1978
Aircraft Type: Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander
Owner/operator: Unionair
Registration Number: VH-EQK
Location: Landsborough, QLD –
ÿ Australia
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Substantial, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3
Component Affected: Aircraft Engine (Port and Starboard)Aircraft Engine (Port and Starboard)
Category: Accident
A flight experienced a significant mechanical failure shortly after departure, resulting in a forced landing. The aircraft stalled during final approach, causing severe damage to the ground.A flight experienced a significant mechanical failure shortly after departure, resulting in a forced landing. The aircraft stalled during final approach, causing severe damage to the ground.
Description
Some 35 minutes after departure, first the port engine and then the starboard engine failed. A forced landing into a small cleared area was attempted but on final approach the aircraft stalled and struck the ground heavily. The pilot did not check fuel quantity in tanks prior to departure. Fuel quantity gauges were erratic in operation giving false indications – a fact known to the pilot.
Primary Cause
Erratic fuel quantity gauges indicating incorrect fuel levels.Erratic fuel quantity gauges indicating incorrect fuel levels.Share on:
