Vickers 610 Viking 1B – D-BELA

Incident Overview

Date: Friday 17 October 1958

Aircraft Type: Vickers 610 Viking 1B

Owner/operator: Deutsche Flugdienst

Registration Number: D-BELA

Location: Zele – ÿ Belgium

Phase of Flight: En route

Status: Destroyed, written off

Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3

Component Affected: Right EngineRight Engine

Category: Accident

On October 15, 2023, a Vickers Viking D-BELA aircraft experienced a significant incident during a flight from London to Dsseldorf, Germany. The flight began normally, but at approximately 7000 feet, the right engine experienced hiccups, fluctuating boost and RPM. The captain, assuming icing, activated carburetter heaters and initiated alcohol shots, which temporarily stabilized the situation. Subsequently, the right engine boost dropped to 25″ and oil pressure decreased to 60-70 psi. The pilot initiated a shutdown and feathering of the propeller. Communication with Brussels was established, and the aircraft was cleared to descend and divert to Brussels Airport. The pilot then restarted the second engine, instructing the copilot to restart the engine. However, the copilot failed to follow the established checklist, leading to a fire shortly after the restart. The aircraft crashed in a field near Kamershoek, resulting in significant damage and casualties. The incident was attributed to a combination of factors, including the initial engine instability, the pilot’s deviation from established procedures, and the subsequent fire.On October 15, 2023, a Vickers Viking D-BELA aircraft experienced a significant incident during a flight from London to Dsseldorf, Germany. The flight began normally, but at approximately 7000 feet, the right engine experienced hiccups, fluctuating boost and RPM. The captain, assuming icing, activated carburetter heaters and initiated alcohol shots, which temporarily stabilized the situation. Subsequently, the right engine boost dropped to 25″ and oil pressure decreased to 60-70 psi. The pilot initiated a shutdown and feathering of the propeller. Communication with Brussels was established, and the aircraft was cleared to descend and divert to Brussels Airport. The pilot then restarted the second engine, instructing the copilot to restart the engine. However, the copilot failed to follow the established checklist, leading to a fire shortly after the restart. The aircraft crashed in a field near Kamershoek, resulting in significant damage and casualties. The incident was attributed to a combination of factors, including the initial engine instability, the pilot’s deviation from established procedures, and the subsequent fire.

Description

Vickers Viking D-BELA departed London at 10:01 GMT on a flight to Dsseldorf, Germany. The flight proceeded normally until halfway roughly between Dover and Wulpen. At this time, at an altitude of 7000 feet, the crew perceived some hiccups in the right engine. The boost fluctuated and the RPM varied +/- 50 revolutions/min. The captain assumed that it was caused by icing, activated carburettor heaters and gave some brief shots of alcohol. After these actions the situation seemingly became normal. Just before reaching Wulpen, the right hand engine boost fell to 25″. The oil pressure fell to 60 – 70 psi (normal pressure is 80 psi). The cylinder temperature was normal. The captain decided to shut down the engine and feather the prop. The crew contacted Brussels and were cleared to descend and divert to Brussels Airport. The pilot manoeuvred around some rain showers during the descent towards Brussels. At 11:55 local time the flight reported at 1500 feet, and almost at the Mackel beacon. The flight crew were not able to maintain altitude so the captain decided to restart the no. 2 engine. He instructed the copilot to carry out the restart. The copilot failed to use a checklist while performing the actions to restart the engine. A few minutes later the crew noticed that the right engine was on fire. Three fire extinguishing bottles were fired, but the fire was not contained. The captain then carried out an emergency descent. The airplane came down in a field next to the village of Kamershoek. It burst into flames after the three crew members exited the plane. CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENT (translated from original French report): 1.- The incident that led the captain to stop the right engine and feather the corresponding propeller has not been clarified. 2.- The captain could not maintain altitude on one engine in flight, while the AFM indicated that it was possible, especially as the aircraft was below its maximum weight. The fact of operating with the remaining engine at a boost of 33″ and later 44″ was allowed, while maintaining temperature, power was reduced below the required value. 3.- The restart of the engine without complying with the formal procedure sparked a fire that required the emergency landing.

Primary Cause

Pilot deviation from established procedures and failure to follow checklist during engine restart.Pilot deviation from established procedures and failure to follow checklist during engine restart.

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