Narrative:The Twin Pioneer departed Southend on a ferry flight to Dakar. Intermediate night time stops were planned at Marrakech, Agadir and Las Palmas.
After passing abeam Sidi Ifni on plan the aircraft encountered an extreme depression with extreme winds.
The crew however were not able to contact Fuerteventura by HF or VHF radio. Nor were they able to pick up the Fuerteventura NDB or any other beacon. Uncertain about their position, the captain decided ditch the plane near a fishing vessel.
Probable Cause:
It was subsequently established that the Fuerteventura NDB was not operating at the time requested by the Captain in the Flight Plan; the Flight Plan was received in Las Palmas before the aircraft departed Marrakech, but Fuerteventura aerodrome had by that time closed, in accordance with the published hours of watch.
Classification:
Navigational beacons inoperative
Ditching
Sources:
» Survey of accidents to aircraft in the United Kingdom 1963 / CAA
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 Marrakech-Menara Airport to Las Palmas-Airport de Gran Canaria as the crow flies is 813 km (508 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.