Investigation Summary
The aircraft, a lend-lease Lockheed Hudson IIIA (A-29-LO) operated by No. 38 Wing RAF, was tasked with transporting personnel to the Middle East for an Airborne Forces Planning Conference. Shortly after departing RAF St Eval, one of the aircraft's engines failed. Due to the significant weight of the fuel and equipment required for the long-distance flight to Gibraltar, the Hudson could not maintain its height. The pilot attempted a forced landing in the Cornwall countryside, but the aircraft crashed and caught fire approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) south of the airfield. Two occupants were killed, including Air Commodore Sir Nigel Norman, a key figure in the development of British airborne forces. The survivors were pulled from the burning wreckage by two farm workers, William Richards and Eddie Thomas, and George Gregory of the Royal Observer Corps, the latter of whom was later awarded the British Empire Medal for his bravery.
Final Conclusions
The accident was caused by an engine failure occurring at a critical phase of flight when the aircraft was heavily loaded. The combination of the mechanical failure and the aircraft's weight prevented the crew from maintaining level flight, leading to a forced landing and subsequent post-crash fire.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Port Engine
The aircraft suffered a failure of the port engine shortly after takeoff. Due to the heavy fuel load for the flight to Gibraltar, the aircraft could not maintain altitude on the remaining engine.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a lend-lease Lockheed Hudson IIIA, serial number 41-36969.
- 02Air Commodore Sir Nigel Norman, a passenger, died from injuries sustained in the crash.
- 03The aircraft was operated by No. 38 Wing RAF, based at RAF Netheravon.
- 04George Gregory was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1945 for his role in the rescue.