Investigation Summary
The aircraft was a Farman Goliath, originally built as an F.60 in 1921. It had a history of incidents, including a ditching in the English Channel in 1925, after which it was rebuilt and returned to service in 1929 as an F.63. On the day of the accident, the flight departed Le Bourget at 10:40 AM but returned 15 minutes later due to engine trouble. Although no fault was found, spark plugs were replaced as a precaution before the second departure. While cruising over Kent, a snapping noise was heard as the starboard tailplane failed, causing a sudden loss of 2,000 feet in altitude. The crew attempted an emergency landing at Marden Airfield. As the pilot cut power at 10 feet, the aircraft suddenly rose to 100 feet, stalled, and crashed. A post-impact fire broke out. Two passengers, Albert and Edith Hodges, died of shock and smoke inhalation. The pilot, Henri Nevot, was rescued from the wreckage by one of the two mechanics on board. The third passenger, Hugh Curson, managed to escape the wreckage independently.
Final Conclusions
The accident was caused by the structural failure of the tailplane in flight. The subsequent loss of control led to a crash landing and a post-impact fire that resulted in two fatalities.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Tailplane
The horizontal stabilizer and elevator assembly, which failed structurally in flight, leading to a total loss of pitch control.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was named 'Picardie'.
- 02The airframe was originally an F.60 built in 1921, rebuilt as an F.63 in 1929 after a 1925 ditching.
- 03The flight returned to Le Bourget 15 minutes after its first departure to change spark plugs.
- 04Two passengers, Albert Allen Hodges and Edith Hodges, were killed.
- 05The pilot, two mechanics, and one passenger (Hugh Curson) survived with injuries.
- 06The crash occurred during an emergency landing attempt at Marden Airfield.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Coroner's Inquest and Airworthiness Review
An inquest held at Staplehurst reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history and the crew's actions. The investigation confirmed that the 1921-built aircraft had been completely overhauled in 1929 and was airworthy upon departure. The crew's decision to attempt an emergency landing and their subsequent actions were found to be correct, resulting in a verdict of 'Accidental Death'.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the entered by an editor.