Investigation Summary
The flight departed Southampton Water at 22:46 GMT for a multi-leg journey to Madeira. Approximately eight minutes into the flight, the crew feathered the number 4 engine for reasons that could not be determined by investigators due to the extent of the fire damage. While maneuvering to return to base, the number 3 engine also stopped. With both engines on the right wing inoperative, the aircraft became difficult to control. It was observed flying extremely low, with cabin lights visible to witnesses on the ground, before banking 45 degrees to the right and striking the side of a disused chalk pit. Three soldiers from the nearby Golden Hill Fort, who were on a night exercise, reached the site within minutes and rescued several survivors from the burning wreckage. The investigation focused on why the second engine failed; it concluded that the number 3 engine stoppage was likely caused by either a failure in the electrical circuit of the fuel cutoff actuator or the accidental manual operation of the cutoff switch by the crew during the emergency.
Final Conclusions
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) public inquiry concluded that the essential cause of the initial number 4 engine failure remained unknown. The immediate cause of the crash was the subsequent stoppage of the number 3 engine while the number 4 engine was already feathered. This second stoppage was attributed to either an electrical failure in the fuel cutoff actuator circuit or the accidental operation of the cutoff switch. The resulting loss of power on the entire right wing led to the steep bank and impact.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
Aquilla Airways Flying Boat Crash Isle of Wight. — A look at the 15th November 1957 Short Solent Flying Boat crash on the Isle of Wight which claimed the lives of 45 people.
If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Systems & Failure Modes
Fuel Cutoff Actuator Circuit
A system designed to stop fuel flow to the engine; investigators suspected an electrical failure in this circuit caused the number 3 engine to stop.
Propeller Feathering System
Used to turn propeller blades parallel to the airflow to reduce drag after an engine failure; the number 4 engine was successfully feathered before the crash.
Interesting Facts
- 01At the time, it was the worst air disaster to occur on English soil.
- 02The aircraft was a double-deck flying boat named 'City of Sydney'.
- 03Three soldiers received British Empire honors for their rescue efforts in the burning wreckage.
- 04The crash site was a disused chalk pit on the steep eastern slope of Shalcombe Down.
- 05Aquila Airways ceased all operations nine months after the accident.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Public Inquiry
The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation ordered a full public inquiry to establish the cause of the accident and review safety procedures for heavily laden aircraft.