Investigation Summary
The flight departed Blackbushe at 21:14 UTC for an unscheduled passenger service to RAF Idris. Just two minutes after takeoff, the pilot radioed air traffic control reporting a failure of the port engine and his intention to perform a left-hand circuit for an immediate landing. During the subsequent approach, the aircraft failed to maintain sufficient airspeed and altitude. As it turned onto the final approach, the left wingtip struck the ground, causing the aircraft to crash inverted into a wooded copse at Star Hill, approximately 50 yards from the A30 road. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact. While 29 people died at the scene, four survivors were initially rescued and taken to Cambridge Military Hospital, where three later succumbed to their injuries. The investigation was hampered by the post-crash fire, which made it impossible to verify the mechanical state of the port engine prior to impact. The accident is officially classified under the ICAO category as Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).
Final Conclusions
The public inquiry report, published in November 1957, concluded that the accident was caused by an error of skill and judgement by the pilot. Specifically, the captain failed to maintain a safe altitude and airspeed while attempting a single-engine landing. The inquiry highlighted that although the captain was highly experienced with over 4,800 hours on the Viking type, he had not performed a single-engine landing in at least two years, suggesting a lack of recent proficiency in emergency handling.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
1957 Blackbushe Viking (G-AJBO) Accident — On May 1, 1957, an Eagle Aviation Vickers Viking crashed in a wood near Blackbushe Airport, claiming 34 lives.
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Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Had not performed a single-engine landing for at least two years prior to the accident.
Systems & Failure Modes
Port Engine
The pilot reported a failure of this engine shortly after takeoff, necessitating a return to the airfield on a single engine.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was on charter to the War Office carrying 25 soldiers, one soldier's wife, two children, and two civilians.
- 02The aircraft carried the secondary RAF serial number XF629 for trooping flights.
- 03The crash site was located at Star Hill, approximately 50 yards from the A30 road.
- 04Only one person out of the 35 on board survived the accident.
- 05The captain had 6,800 total flight hours, with 4,800 hours specifically on the Vickers Viking.
- 06Post-crash fire damage prevented investigators from confirming if the port engine had actually failed mechanically.
- 07The aircraft was manufactured in 1947 with Manufacturer's Serial Number (MSN) 241.