Investigation Summary
The accident involved a Hawker Audax biplane from the No. 1 RAF Flying Training School based at Hatfield. The pilot, Sergeant Stanley Robert Morris, was authorized only for local circuit training and had been explicitly ordered to stay within a three-mile radius of the aerodrome. Instead, Morris flew approximately twelve miles south to Edmonton. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft maneuvering at low level and diving from an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters). After flattening out from a dive, the aircraft continued to fly at a dangerously low altitude until it struck the roof of a house. One theory suggested that Morris was attempting to land the aircraft at Pymmes Park when the collision occurred. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed two properties. Among the ground fatalities were two brothers, Edward and James Letch, who were posthumously awarded the Order of the British Empire for their attempts to rescue the pilot from the burning wreckage. James Letch was one of six ground victims who succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
Final Conclusions
The Air Ministry investigation concluded that the primary cause of the accident was pilot error characterized by the deliberate disobedience of orders. The pilot engaged in unauthorized low-level flying over a densely populated area and lost sufficient height during maneuvers to strike a building. Examination of the wreckage found no evidence of mechanical failure or engine defect. An inquest held on September 7, 1938, returned a verdict of accidental death for all victims, noting that the aircraft was fit for flight and had been operated successfully by other pilots earlier that day.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Hawker Audax Engine
The investigation specifically checked for engine defects that might have caused a loss of power but found the unit was functioning correctly prior to impact.
Flight Discipline
The pilot operated in direct violation of standing orders regarding flight boundaries and minimum safe altitudes over built-up areas.
Interesting Facts
- 01The pilot was ordered to stay within three miles of Hatfield Aerodrome but flew twelve miles away.
- 02The crash resulted in 13 total fatalities: the pilot and 12 people on the ground.
- 03Five of the ground fatalities occurred in the hospital following the initial accident.
- 04Two rescuers, Edward and James Letch, were posthumously awarded the Order of the British Empire.
- 05The investigation found no evidence of engine or airframe failure.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Air Ministry Investigation Findings
Source ↗The Air Ministry released a formal report emphasizing that the pilot was operating in direct violation of standing orders by flying beyond the authorized three-mile radius and performing low-level maneuvers over a built-up area. The findings reinforced the necessity of strict adherence to flight boundaries and altitude restrictions for training flights.