Narrative:The Shackleton was on final approach to Gibraltar when the undercarriage hit the end of the runway. Both main landing gear legs were sheared off and the pilot performed a go around. Unable to land, the airplane was ditched into the sea.
The Shack operated on a conversion training flight for the 224 Squadron. The pilot was reportedly blinded by the sun during the approach.
Sources:
» L'Echo d'Oran 14 August 1951, p2
» Broken Wings : Post-War Royal Air Force Accidents / James J. Halley
» Last take-off : a record of RAF aircraft losses 1950 to 1953 / C. Cummings
» The Avro Shackleton / as compiled by Chris Ashworth
» Air Enthusiast 47
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Gibraltar-North Front Airport to Gibraltar-North Front Airport as the crow flies is 19882 km (12426 miles).
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.