Winton Marks 60 Years Since One of Australia’s Deadliest Aviation Disasters

Residents of Winton and the families of victims have commemorated the 60th anniversary of one of Australia’s worst aviation tragedies, remembering the 24 lives lost when Ansett-ANA Flight 149 crashed in western Queensland in 1966.

What began as a routine flight from Mount Isa to Brisbane, with a scheduled stop in Longreach, turned into a devastating disaster on September 22, 1966. Weather conditions were reported to be favourable when the aircraft departed, but approximately 30 minutes into the journey, one of its engines caught fire.

The crew initiated an emergency descent in an attempt to manage the situation. However, the aircraft broke apart in mid-air before crashing onto a cattle property about 19 kilometres west of Winton. All 24 passengers and crew on board were killed.

Six decades later, the tragedy continues to resonate throughout the outback community. Local residents gathered alongside relatives of those who died to pay tribute to the victims and reflect on the lasting impact the crash had on Queensland and Australia’s aviation industry.

Winton Mayor Cathy White said the disaster remains deeply ingrained in the community’s memory, with many residents still recalling the events as though they happened only yesterday.

She said commemorations provide an important opportunity for the community and families to come together, honour those who lost their lives, and ensure the tragedy is never forgotten.

The crash led to significant attention on aviation safety and contributed to improvements in aircraft operations and industry standards in the years that followed. It remains one of the most tragic aviation accidents in Australian history.

At the anniversary ceremony, attendees laid tributes and observed moments of reflection, remembering not only the victims but also the families and communities affected by the disaster.

Sixty years on, the legacy of Flight 149 continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the enduring impact such tragedies can have on regional communities.