Narrative:
The Bristol Britannia took off from London at 10:10 for a test flight regarding the renewal of its Certificate of Airworthiness. After performing the necessary test, the crew requested a descent from 12000 feet to 3000 feet. Some 3 minutes after starting the descent, the aircraft struck the ground which was obscured by fog.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The accident was the result of the aircraft being flown into ground obscured by fog. This was caused by a failure on the part of both the captain and the first officer to establish the altitude of the aircraft before and during the final descent. The responsability for the accident must rest with the captain. The height presentation afforded by the type of three-pointer altimeter fitted to the subject aircraft was such that a higher degree of attention was required to interpret it accurately than is desirable in so vital an instrument. This, when taken into conjunction with the nature of the flight on which the aircraft was engaged was a contributory factor."
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) - Ground
accident date: 24-12-1958
type: Bristol 175 Britannia 312
registration: G-AOVD
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Wednesday 24 December 1958 |
| Time: | 11:58 |
| Type: | Bristol 175 Britannia 312 |
| Operator: | British Overseas Airways Corporation - BOAC |
| Registration: | G-AOVD |
| MSN: | 13235 |
| First flight: | 1957 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 5 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 7 / Occupants: 7 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 9 / Occupants: 12 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Sopley Park ( United Kingdom)
|
| Phase: | En route (ENR) |
| Nature: | Test |
| Departure airport: | London Airport (LHR/EGLL), United Kingdom |
| London Airport (LHR/EGLL), United Kingdom |
The Bristol Britannia took off from London at 10:10 for a test flight regarding the renewal of its Certificate of Airworthiness. After performing the necessary test, the crew requested a descent from 12000 feet to 3000 feet. Some 3 minutes after starting the descent, the aircraft struck the ground which was obscured by fog.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The accident was the result of the aircraft being flown into ground obscured by fog. This was caused by a failure on the part of both the captain and the first officer to establish the altitude of the aircraft before and during the final descent. The responsability for the accident must rest with the captain. The height presentation afforded by the type of three-pointer altimeter fitted to the subject aircraft was such that a higher degree of attention was required to interpret it accurately than is desirable in so vital an instrument. This, when taken into conjunction with the nature of the flight on which the aircraft was engaged was a contributory factor."
Classification:
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) - Ground
Sources:
» ICAO Accident Digest Circular 62-AN/57 (44-47)Photos
accident date: 24-12-1958
type: Bristol 175 Britannia 312
registration: G-AOVD
Map
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2023 Flight Safety Foundation