Country
code
Glamorgan
Crash of a De Havilland DH.104 Dove 2A in Cardiff: 4 killed
Date & Time:
May 6, 1959
Operator:
Registration:
G-ALEC
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Cardiff - Cardiff
MSN:
04402
YOM:
1958
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The aircraft was taking part to an airshow at Cardiff Airport, carrying a crew of two and two passengers. While flying in the vicinity of the airfield, the airplane went out of control and crashed in unclear circumstances, killing all four occupants.
Probable cause:
It is believed the accident was the consequence of a pilot error.
Crash of a Bristol 170 Freighter 21 in Cowbridge: 4 killed
Date & Time:
Mar 21, 1950
Operator:
Registration:
G-AHJJ
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Bristol - Bristol
MSN:
12742
YOM:
1946
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The aircraft was an MK.2 version and was recently converted to a 21 version. This flight was the second test one for the certification program. About 34 minutes after it left Bristol-Filton Airport, the airplane went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field located in Cowbridge, south of Wales. All four occupants (three Bristol's engineers and one pilot) were killed.
Probable cause:
The accident was caused by a structural failure of the fuselage stern frame to which the fin was attached and must be attributed to the application on the fin and rudder of a load greater than the design ultimate load. Calculations suggested that the cause of this overloading was excessive rudder movement at a speed greater than 120 knots.
Crash of an Avro 689 Tudor 5 in RAF Llandow: 80 killed
Date & Time:
Mar 12, 1950 at 1450 LT
Registration:
G-AKBY
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Dublin – Llandow
MSN:
1417
YOM:
1947
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
78
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
80
Circumstances:
The four engine aircraft was performing a charter flight from Dublin to RAF Llandow, carrying rugby fans who should attend a match between Ireland and Wales for the Five Nations Tournament. On final approach to RAF Llandow, at an altitude of 150 feet, the pilot increased power and the aircraft climbed to 300 feet and then adopted a 35° nose-up attitude. Out of control, it stalled and crashed in a field located 2,500 feet short of runway 28 threshold. All five crew members and 75 passengers were killed. Only three passengers were rescued, placing this tragedy as the most dramatic plane crash up to date.
Probable cause:
The loading conditions of the aircraft which gave a centre of gravity position too far aft and outside the limit in the relevant Certificate of Airworthiness and therefore insufficient elevator control under conditions of low speed and acute instability. Also, the pilot in command, aged 25, did not have sufficient experience, which was considered as a contributory factor.
Crash of a Vickers 474 Warwick V off Swansea: 2 killed
Date & Time:
Nov 9, 1945 at 1500 LT
Operator:
Registration:
PN776
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Dunkeswell - Dunkeswell
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
Enroute, both engines failed and the aircraft crashed into the Bristol Channel, off Swansea. A crew member was rescued by the crew of a boat while both other occupants were killed.
Crew (16th Flying Unit):
W/O Francis George Ford, †
W/O Paul William Lamy Hutchinson, †
W/O L. A. W Bell.
Crew (16th Flying Unit):
W/O Francis George Ford, †
W/O Paul William Lamy Hutchinson, †
W/O L. A. W Bell.
Probable cause:
Double engine failure.
Crash of a Bristol 142 Blenheim I in Burry Green
Date & Time:
Apr 15, 1942
Operator:
Registration:
Z6253
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Pembrey - Pembrey
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew departed RAF Pembrey on a cross country exercise. While returning to base, the airplane developed technical problems, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing. The airplane crash landed in an open field near Burry Green. All four crew members escaped uninjured.
Crew:
Sgt K. E. R. Stanley, pilot,
LAC Jones, air gunner,
LAC Lawrence, air gunner,
LAC Pepperdine, air gunner.
Crew:
Sgt K. E. R. Stanley, pilot,
LAC Jones, air gunner,
LAC Lawrence, air gunner,
LAC Pepperdine, air gunner.
Probable cause:
Unspecified technical problems.
Crash of a Blackburn B-26 Botha I off Saint Donats: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Apr 8, 1942
Operator:
Registration:
L6223
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Saint Athan - Saint Athan
MSN:
7866/20
YOM:
1940
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The crew departed RAF St Athan on a local test flight. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, one of the engine failed. The airplane lost height and crashed in the Severn estuary. Three crew members were injured and the pilot was killed.
Crew:
F/O Reginald William Sheppard, pilot,
P/O F. W. Gattrell, observer,
LAC E. S. Colbert, wireless operator,
Sgt A. J. Clements, air gunner.
Crew:
F/O Reginald William Sheppard, pilot,
P/O F. W. Gattrell, observer,
LAC E. S. Colbert, wireless operator,
Sgt A. J. Clements, air gunner.
Probable cause:
Engine failure after takeoff.
Crash of a Bristol 152 Beaufort II at RAF Saint Athan
Date & Time:
Nov 24, 1941
Operator:
Registration:
AW292
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Bristol - Saint Athan
MSN:
9970
YOM:
1941
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, departed Bristol-Filton Airport on a ferry flight to RAF St Athan. On final approach, both engines failed. The airplane lost height, clipped trees and crashed. The pilot was injured.
Crew:
P/O Jerzy Drewiecki, pilot.
Crew:
P/O Jerzy Drewiecki, pilot.
Probable cause:
Double engine failure on approach.
