You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Tuesday 31 May 1983 |
| Time: | 09:43 |
| Type: |  Boeing 707-338C |
| Owner/operator: | British Midland Airways |
| Registration: | G-BFLD |
| MSN: | 19625/693 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1968 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 221 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Minor, repaired |
| Location: | Near London-Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK) -
 United Kingdom
|
| Phase: | Initial climb |
| Nature: | Passenger - Non-Scheduled/charter/Air Taxi |
| Departure airport: | London-Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK) |
| Investigating agency: | AIB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
Soon after retraction at an attitude of 3500 ft following a normal take off the utility hydraulic contents indication dropped to zero and the numbers 2 and 3 EDP low pressure warning lights came on. The emergency check list was accomplished and it was concluded that a failure in the utility hydraulic system had resulted in the loss of all utility fluid but that no other systems had been effected. A few moments later the indicated quantity in No 2 main fuel tank fell suddenly by about 3000 lbs. The No 2 tank was isolated and no further decrease in contents occurred. so No 2 engine was then fed directly from this tank and it was noted that integrator readings and the drop in fuel contents that ensued tallied. It was concluded that the sudden drop in contents previously noted was either due to a gauge error or a leak which had now ceased. The flight was continued to Vancouver where the undercarriage was lowered manually and the aircraft landed without further incident.
Examination of the aircraft revealed a primary failure of the No 1 leading edge flap actuator support fitting. This had resulted in secondary local damage including the rupture of hydraulic pipes and a 3" * 5" hole in the No 2 fuel tank.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/542301bded915d1371000b55/Boeing_707-338C_G-BFLD_10-83.pdf
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/5754897 (Photo)
History of this aircraft
Other occurrences involving this aircraft
| 24 October 1975 | VH-EAE | Qantas | 0 | Sydney-Kingsford Smith International Airport, NSW (SYD/YSSY) |  |
sub |
| Ramp, ground handling | ||||||
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 24-Mar-2025 07:50 | Justanormalperson | Added |
| 24-Mar-2025 07:52 | ASN | Updated [Narrative, Accident report, ] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation