Investigation Summary
The aircraft was operating a long-distance transport mission under RAF Transport Command, carrying personnel from England to India in the months following the end of World War II. Shortly after departing RAF Merryfield, the pilot initiated a turn while the aircraft was still at a low altitude. Due to prevailing poor weather and restricted visibility, the crew was unable to maintain visual separation from the terrain. The Liberator impacted the Blackdown Hills at White's Farm, near Broadway Pound, approximately 6 miles (10 km) from the airfield. The crash site, located near Castle Neroche, is currently marked by a memorial dedicated to the 27 victims.
Final Conclusions
The investigation determined the primary cause of the accident was pilot error. The captain executed a left turn well below the minimum required altitude of 1,500 feet specified in standard departure procedures. This premature maneuver, combined with contributory factors of low visibility and poor weather, led to the controlled flight into terrain.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Consolidated Liberator C Mk VIII
A transport conversion of the B-24 heavy bomber used by the RAF for long-range trooping and cargo missions.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Consolidated Liberator C Mk VIII, serial number KH126, operated by 53 Squadron.
- 02All 27 people on board, consisting of 5 crew and 22 passengers, perished in the crash.
- 03The accident occurred in poor visibility and adverse weather conditions.
- 04Standard departure procedures at the time required pilots to reach 1,500 feet before commencing a turn.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the wikipedia geotag.