Incident Overview
Date: Tuesday 6 January 1948
Aircraft Type: Vickers 610 Viking 1B
Owner/operator: British European Airways – BEA
Registration Number: G-AHPK
Location: Ruislip –
ÿ United Kingdom
Phase of Flight: Approach
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 18
Component Affected: Aircraft Flight Controls & Navigation SystemsAircraft Flight Controls & Navigation Systems
Category: Accident
A Viking G-AHPK aircraft, departing Renfrew at 18:42 for Northolt, experienced a significant incident after failing multiple visual approaches. The aircraft struck trees and crashed into a ploughed field. The accident was attributed to poor visibility conditions while the pilot attempted a timed approach, resulting in an incorrect altimeter setting.A Viking G-AHPK aircraft, departing Renfrew at 18:42 for Northolt, experienced a significant incident after failing multiple visual approaches. The aircraft struck trees and crashed into a ploughed field. The accident was attributed to poor visibility conditions while the pilot attempted a timed approach, resulting in an incorrect altimeter setting.
Description
Viking G-AHPK departed Renfrew at 18:42 for a flight to Northolt. The crew contacted Northolt at 20:30, reporting 5 miles out. Following 2 or 3 failed SBA approaches the aircraft was heard flying at low altitude. The Viking plane struck trees and crashed into a ploughed field. PROBABLE CAUSE: “The accident was due to the aircraft flying into trees in conditions of poor visibility while the pilot was attempting a visual or bad weather timed approach (or circuit) to the airport. The pilot committed an error of judgement in not asking for diversion to another airport after he had failed to land by the aid of the Beam. An incorrect altimeter setting cannot be dismissed as a possible contributory cause.”
Primary Cause
Poor visibility conditions during a timed approach, leading to a failed visual or bad weather approach.Poor visibility conditions during a timed approach, leading to a failed visual or bad weather approach.Share on:
