Sibu | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

The four engine aircraft was completing a special flight from Kuching to Sibu, carrying members of a delegation taking part to Royal visit in Sibu. On final approach to Sibu Airport, the crew was forced to shut down both engines n°3 and 4 for unknown reasons. The approach was continued and after touchdown, the aircraft deviated from the centerline to the left, veered off runway and collided with trees. A passenger was killed by unsecured baggages and three other occupants were seriously injured. The aircraft was written off.

Crash of a Scottish Twin Pioneer 1 in Sibu

Date & Time: Sep 7, 1963

Type of aircraft:

Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer

Operator:

Registration:

VR-OAE

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

517

YOM:

1957

Flight number:

BO631

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

After takeoff from Sibu Airport, while climbing to a height of 50 feet, the right engine fire alarm came on. The pilot shot down the engine, feathered its propeller and attempted to return when the airplane stalled, struck trees and crashed in a dense wooded area located 5,6 km from the airport. All 14 occupants were rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause:

The accident was a result of failure to obtain adequate height before returning to land, caused by the aircraft being outside the takeoff area and heading towards trees on rising ground; the initial turn to avoid these and subsequent alterations of heading to avoid further obstacles adversely affected the climb performance of the aircraft.