Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain crash, May 31, 2000 (8 killed)
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident on May 31, 2000 near Whyalla, South Australia, Australia with 8 fatalities. Cause: Fatigue cracking of the...
- Date: May 31, 2000
- Aircraft: Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain
- Location: Whyalla, South Australia, Australia
- Fatalities: 8
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: Fatigue cracking of the left engine crankshaft led to engine failure. The right engine then lost power after detonation, and the pilot had to ditch in darkness.
A Whyalla Airlines Piper Chieftain flying a night scheduled service from Adelaide to Whyalla lost its left engine after crankshaft fatigue cracking. The right engine then suffered detonation and lost power, and the pilot ditched in Spencer Gulf in darkness and rough sea. All eight occupants died, and the aircraft was later found on the seabed.