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Winton marks 60th anniversary of 1966 Ansett-ANA Flight 149 crash

The outback Queensland town remembers 24 lives lost in one of Australia's deadliest aviation disasters.

newest coverage 1d agosummary written 1d ago3 pieces MastodonNewswiresGoogle News

What to know

  • Ansett-ANA Flight 149 crashed near Winton, Queensland on September 22, 1966, killing all 24 people aboard in one of Australia's deadliest aviation disasters.
  • A worn blower motor that caught fire ignited an engine, causing the aircraft to break apart during descent; the investigation cost the Commonwealth an estimated $1.12 million in 1967 terms.
  • The crash's effects rippled through families for decades—survivors' relatives described sudden economic hardship, changed life trajectories, and lasting emotional impact that drove some toward and others away from aviation.
  • The 60th anniversary ceremony brought together the Winton community and families of the deceased to share memories and honour those lost.

“All of these families, all of these people in the Winton community were brought together by this one singular event.”

Elizabeth Gillam, Daughter of co-pilot · ABC News ↗

Elizabeth Gillam Daughter of co-pilot; oral historianAnne O'Leary Daughter of plane crew memberPeter Hobbins State Library of NSW historianJohn Gillam Co-pilot on Flight 149

How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts

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  1. 1

    Winton community gathers for 60th anniversary commemoration

    Locals and families of those who died gathered in the outback town to mark the anniversary, remember the lives lost, and acknowledge the crash's enduring impact on the community and aviation industry.

    “Sixty years on, there are people here that remember it like it happened yesterday.”
    — Community member
    1. 2 outlets Outback town marks 60th anniversary of plane crash that claimed 24 lives - ABC News & Headlines

      first by Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 1d ago · also ABC Australia

      1 more headline
  2. background

    Investigation launched into crash cause — The Air Safety Investigation Branch (predecessor to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau) launched an investigation and the federal government ordered an independent inquiry. The investigation ultimately determined that a small blower motor that helped deliver air into the cabin had worn out and caught fire, igniting one of the engines and causing parts of the plane to melt before the wing broke off.

  3. background

    Ansett-ANA Flight 149 crashes near Winton, killing 24 — Flight 149 took off from Mount Isa bound for Brisbane via Longreach under favourable conditions. Thirty minutes into the flight, an engine caught fire and the aircraft entered an emergency descent, breaking apart in the air before crashing onto a cattle property 19 kilometres west of Winton.