Incident Overview

Date: Monday 14 August 1961
Aircraft Type: Vickers 610 Viking 1B
Owner/operator: Overseas Aviation
Registration Number: G-AJCE
Location: Lyon-Bron Airport (LYN) – ÿ France
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 40
Component Affected: Ignition harnessIgnition harness
Category: Accident
Narrative
A Vickers Viking G-AJCE aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure on a charter flight from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) to London-Gatwick Airport (LGW). The aircraft simultaneously lost both engines, resulting in erratic engine pitch and speed variations. An ignition defect, indicated by a faulty ignition harness, was identified, leading to vibrations that exacerbated the problem. The aircraft crashed near the airport.A Vickers Viking G-AJCE aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure on a charter flight from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) to London-Gatwick Airport (LGW). The aircraft simultaneously lost both engines, resulting in erratic engine pitch and speed variations. An ignition defect, indicated by a faulty ignition harness, was identified, leading to vibrations that exacerbated the problem. The aircraft crashed near the airport.

Description

Vickers Viking G-AJCE operated on a charter flight from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) to London-Gatwick Airport (LGW). An intermediate stop was planned at Lyon-Bron Airport (LYN). On takeoff from Lyon, the airplane suffered a simultaneous failure of both engines. The failure of the first (starboard) engine seems to have been due to the breaking of a seal in the hydraulic propeller pitch control system. The breakage caused periodic variation of the pitch and hence variations in the speed of the engine. The vibrations of the port engine according to the statement of the crew and of experts, were undoubtedly due to an ignition defect. The ignition harness was found to be below requirements. Consequently the airplane crash-landed near the airport.

Primary Cause

Ignition defect due to a faulty ignition harness.Ignition defect due to a faulty ignition harness.

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