Incident Overview
Description
The Fokker F.XII, G-ADZI, was sold via shady deals involving a Polish arms dealer to the Spanish nationalists in the Spanish Civil War, with G-ADZI having its registration cancelled on 2.9.36 due to “Change of Ownership of Aircraft”. On 15 August 1936, the aircraft, along with three other Fokker aircraft, departed Croydon Airport, flown by Polish pilots. The official destination was Katowice, however the aircraft were turned towards Spain to deliver the aircraft to the Spanish Nationalists Air Force (Aviaci¢n Nacional). On approach to Biarritz-Parme Airport, crew encountered an unknown situation and decided to make a go around. While trying to climb, the three engine aircraft stalled and crashed in flames in an open field. Both crew were killed and the aircraft was destroyed by post crash fire. It is not clear if the crew was attempting a first, a second or a third approach when the accident occurred. It is also possible that the aircraft was hit by lightning as the weather conditions were marginal at the time of the accident.
Primary Cause
Shady aircraft sales and a navigational error leading to a turn towards Spain.Shady aircraft sales and a navigational error leading to a turn towards Spain.Share on:
