Incident Overview
Date: Tuesday 2 December 1958
Aircraft Type: Vickers 732 Viscount
Owner/operator: Hunting-Clan Air Transport
Registration Number: G-ANRR
Location: Frimley –
ÿ United Kingdom
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 6 / Occupants: 6
Component Affected: Elevator spring tabElevator spring tab
Category: Accident
A Vickers Viscount aircraft, undergoing a major overhaul, crashed after takeoff from London due to a malfunctioning elevator spring tab. The pilot experienced involuntary maneuvers, leading to the wing breaking off and subsequent fire. The accident was caused by an incorrect installation and oversight of the spring tab mechanism during the overhaul, resulting in overstressed operation.A Vickers Viscount aircraft, undergoing a major overhaul, crashed after takeoff from London due to a malfunctioning elevator spring tab. The pilot experienced involuntary maneuvers, leading to the wing breaking off and subsequent fire. The accident was caused by an incorrect installation and oversight of the spring tab mechanism during the overhaul, resulting in overstressed operation.
Description
The Hunting Clan Vickers Viscount plane took off from London for a test flight following major overhaul. While flying at 1000 feet, some 10 minutes after takeoff, the right wing broke off and the aircraft crashed and caught fire. PROBABLE CAUSE: “The accident was due to the elevator spring tab operating in the reversed sense. This involved the pilot in involuntary manoeuvres which overstressed the aircraft and caused the wing to break off. Work done to the spring tab mechanism during overhaul had been carried out incorrectly and the persons responsible for inspection failed to observe the faulty operation of the tab because they were neglectful in the performance of their duty.”
Primary Cause
Incorrect installation and oversight of the elevator spring tab mechanism during the aircraft overhaul.Incorrect installation and oversight of the elevator spring tab mechanism during the aircraft overhaul.Share on:
