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{{Short description|1965 aviation incident in London}} {{Short description|1965 aviation incident in London}}
{{about|the 1965 crash|the 1971 crash|British European Airways Flight 706 (1971)}}
{{Infobox aircraft occurrence {{Infobox aircraft occurrence
| name = British European Airways Flight 706 | name = 1965 British European Airways Vickers Vanguard crash
| image = BEA Vickers 951 Vanguard Robbins-1.jpg | image = BEA Vickers 951 Vanguard Robbins-1.jpg
| image_upright = | image_upright =
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| occurrence_type = Accident | occurrence_type = Accident
| date = {{start date|1965|10|27|df=y}} | date = {{start date|1965|10|27|df=y}}
| summary = Structural failure, pilot error, and low visibility during landing approach | summary = Crashed due to pilot error in low visibility during landing approach
| site = {{flag|England}} ], ] ({{flag|England}}) | site = ], ]
| coordinates = {{coord|51.4775|-0.461389|type:event|display=inline,title}} | coordinates = {{coord|51.4775|-0.461389|type:event|display=inline,title}}
| total_fatalities = 36 | total_fatalities = 36
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| aircraft_type = ] 951 | aircraft_type = ] 951
| aircraft_name = | aircraft_name =
| operator = {{flag|United Kingdom}} ] | operator = ]
| IATA = | IATA =
| ICAO = | ICAO =
| callsign = | callsign =
| tail_number = G-APEE | tail_number = G-APEE
| origin = {{flag|United Kingdom}} ], ] ({{flag|United Kingdom}}) | origin = ], ]
| stopover = | stopover =
| stopover0 = | stopover0 =
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| stopover5 = | stopover5 =
| last_stopover = | last_stopover =
| destination = {{flag|United Kingdom}} ], ] ({{flag|United Kingdom}}) | destination = Heathrow Airport, London
| occupants = 36 | occupants = 36
| passengers = 30 | passengers = 30
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| missing = | missing =
| survivors = 0 | survivors = 0
}}
}}The 1965 '''British European Airways Flight 706''' was a domestic flight operated by a ] 951 aircraft of British European Airways. On Wednesday, October 27, 1965, the aircraft crashed during landing at ], causing the deaths of all 36 people on board. It was one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the ] at the time. The '''1965 British European Airways Vickers Vanguard crash''' was a domestic flight operated by a ] 951 aircraft of ] (BEA). On Wednesday, 27 October 1965, the aircraft crashed during landing at ], causing the deaths of all 36 people on board. At the time It was one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the ].


== Aircraft == == Aircraft ==
The Vickers Vanguard 951, registered as G-APEE, was a turboprop airliner built in 1959. It was designed for short- and medium-range flights and was one of the fastest turboprop airliners at the time. The aircraft was powered by four Rolls-Royce Tyne engines, capable of generating 4,000 hp each, enabling the Vanguard to achieve high service ceilings and cruising speeds.<ref name="BAAA">{{cite web|url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-vickers-951-vanguard-london-36-killed |title=Crash of a Vickers 951 Vanguard in London: 36 killed|publisher=Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives|language=en|accessdate=2024-08-06}}</ref> The Vickers Vanguard 951, registered as G-APEE, was a ] airliner built in 1959. It was designed for short- and medium-range flights and was then one of the fastest turboprop airliners.<ref name="BAAA">{{cite web|url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-vickers-951-vanguard-london-36-killed |title=Crash of a Vickers 951 Vanguard in London: 36 killed|publisher=Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives|language=en|accessdate=2024-08-06}}</ref>


== Circumstances == == Circumstances ==
The aircraft was on a scheduled flight from Edinburgh Turnhouse Airport to London Heathrow Airport. The flight departed Edinburgh at 23:17 UTC on October 26, 1965. The journey was uneventful until the aircraft approached London Heathrow Airport. During the final approach to runway 28R, the aircraft encountered low visibility conditions, with reports indicating visibility was less than 50 meters. Despite several attempts to land, the aircraft overshot the runway multiple times. On its final approach to runway 28R, the aircraft crashed onto the runway at around 00:23 UTC on October 27, 1965, and burst into flames, killing everyone on board.<ref name="EdiNews">{{cite web|url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-plane-crash-victims-remembered-50-years-on-1492216 |title= Edinburgh plane crash victims remembered 50 years on|publisher=edinburghnews.scotsman.com|language=en|accessdate=2024-08-06}}</ref> The aircraft was on a scheduled flight from ] to Heathrow. The flight departed from Edinburgh at 23:17 on 26 October. The flight was uneventful until the aircraft approached London when, during the final approach to runway 28R, the aircraft encountered fog, with reports indicating visibility was less than 50 metres. Making an ILS approach with ATC talking it down through Precision Approach Radar, the aircraft overshot the runway twice and then entered hold. On hearing another Vanguard had made its landing, the pilot made another attempt but on its final approach to runway 28R, the crew decided to overshoot, taking the nose up and reducing flaps. However the aircraft crashed 2,600 feet from the threshold at around 01:23 and burst into flames, killing everyone on board.<ref>ICAO Circular p70, 72-73</ref><ref name="EdiNews">{{cite news|url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-plane-crash-victims-remembered-50-years-on-1492216 |date=20 October 2015 |title= Edinburgh plane crash victims remembered 50 years on|work=Edinburgh Evening News|language=en|accessdate=2024-08-06}}</ref>


== Investigation and Findings == == Investigation and findings ==
The investigation into the crash revealed several key factors:<ref name="EdiNews" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/332526 |title= Aviation Safety Network |publisher=flightsafety.org |language=en|accessdate=2024-08-06}}</ref> The investigation into the crash revealed several key factors:<ref name="EdiNews" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/332526 |title= Aviation Safety Network |publisher=flightsafety.org |language=en|accessdate=2024-08-06 |quote=citing ICAO Circular 88-AN/74 Volume III (70-82)}}</ref>


* Weather Conditions: The visibility at the time of the crash was significantly below the required minimum for landing. Despite this, there was no evidence that the pilot was operating below the prescribed limits set by BEA for such conditions. The visibility at the time of the crash was significantly below the required minimum for landing. Despite this, there was no evidence that the pilot was operating below the prescribed limits set by BEA for such conditions.


The investigation attributed the crash to pilot error. Contributing factors included low visibility, incorrect information given to the pilot, pilot fatigue, anxiety, lack of experience in landing in fog, and a series of procedural errors during the landing attempts. The aircraft had performed two missed approaches before the crash, and the final approach was marked by an incorrect flap selection and a misjudged descent rate, leading to a steep dive into the runway.
* Structural Issues: A detailed examination of the wreckage indicated structural failure of the aircraft. The rear pressure bulkhead was found to have severe corrosion, which had gone undetected during routine maintenance. This corrosion led to the failure of the bulkhead, resulting in the separation of the aircraft's tail section during the flight.

* Pilot Error: The investigation also attributed the crash to pilot error. Contributing factors included low visibility, pilot fatigue, and a series of procedural errors during the landing attempts. The aircraft had performed several missed approaches before the crash, and the final approach was marked by an incorrect flap selection and a misjudged descent rate, leading to a steep dive into the runway.


== Memorial == == Memorial ==
A memorial plaque was installed at Edinburgh Airport to honor the victims of the crash.<ref name="Express">{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/613421/Edinburgh-Airport-tribute-victims-1965-crash |title= Edinburgh Airport tribute to victims of 1965 crash|publisher=express.co.uk|language=en|accessdate=2024-08-06}}</ref> The tragic event is remembered as one of the significant accidents in BEA's history, contributing to advancements in aviation safety and maintenance protocols.<ref name="EdiNews" /> A memorial plaque was installed at Edinburgh Airport to honour the victims of the crash.<ref name="Express">{{cite news|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/613421/Edinburgh-Airport-tribute-victims-1965-crash |title= Edinburgh Airport tribute to victims of 1965 crash|work=Daily Express|language=en|accessdate=2024-08-06}}</ref> The tragic event is remembered as one of the significant accidents in BEA's history, contributing to advancements in aviation safety and maintenance protocols.<ref name="EdiNews" />


== See also == == See also ==
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== References == == References ==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}
*{{cite web |url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/sites/default/files/2018-02/G-APEE.pdf |title=ICAO Circular 88-AN/74 Volume III |page=70-82 }}


{{Aviation accidents and incidents in 1965}} {{Aviation accidents and incidents in 1965}}
{{Aviation accidents and incidents in the United Kingdom}} {{Aviation accidents and incidents in the United Kingdom in the 1960s}}
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 01:44, 24 December 2024

1965 aviation incident in London
1965 British European Airways Vickers Vanguard crash
A Vickers Vanguard 951 of British European Airways
Accident
Date27 October 1965 (1965-10-27)
SummaryCrashed due to pilot error in low visibility during landing approach
SiteLondon Heathrow Airport, London
51°28′39″N 0°27′41″W / 51.4775°N 0.461389°W / 51.4775; -0.461389
Total fatalities36
Total injuries0
Total survivors0
Aircraft
Aircraft typeVickers Vanguard 951
OperatorBritish European Airways
RegistrationG-APEE
Flight originTurnhouse Airport, Edinburgh
DestinationHeathrow Airport, London
Occupants36
Passengers30
Crew6
Fatalities36
Injuries0
Survivors0

The 1965 British European Airways Vickers Vanguard crash was a domestic flight operated by a Vickers Vanguard 951 aircraft of British European Airways (BEA). On Wednesday, 27 October 1965, the aircraft crashed during landing at London Heathrow Airport, causing the deaths of all 36 people on board. At the time It was one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the United Kingdom.

Aircraft

The Vickers Vanguard 951, registered as G-APEE, was a turboprop airliner built in 1959. It was designed for short- and medium-range flights and was then one of the fastest turboprop airliners.

Circumstances

The aircraft was on a scheduled flight from Edinburgh Turnhouse Airport to Heathrow. The flight departed from Edinburgh at 23:17 on 26 October. The flight was uneventful until the aircraft approached London when, during the final approach to runway 28R, the aircraft encountered fog, with reports indicating visibility was less than 50 metres. Making an ILS approach with ATC talking it down through Precision Approach Radar, the aircraft overshot the runway twice and then entered hold. On hearing another Vanguard had made its landing, the pilot made another attempt but on its final approach to runway 28R, the crew decided to overshoot, taking the nose up and reducing flaps. However the aircraft crashed 2,600 feet from the threshold at around 01:23 and burst into flames, killing everyone on board.

Investigation and findings

The investigation into the crash revealed several key factors:

The visibility at the time of the crash was significantly below the required minimum for landing. Despite this, there was no evidence that the pilot was operating below the prescribed limits set by BEA for such conditions.

The investigation attributed the crash to pilot error. Contributing factors included low visibility, incorrect information given to the pilot, pilot fatigue, anxiety, lack of experience in landing in fog, and a series of procedural errors during the landing attempts. The aircraft had performed two missed approaches before the crash, and the final approach was marked by an incorrect flap selection and a misjudged descent rate, leading to a steep dive into the runway.

Memorial

A memorial plaque was installed at Edinburgh Airport to honour the victims of the crash. The tragic event is remembered as one of the significant accidents in BEA's history, contributing to advancements in aviation safety and maintenance protocols.

See also

References

  1. "Crash of a Vickers 951 Vanguard in London: 36 killed". Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  2. ICAO Circular p70, 72-73
  3. ^ "Edinburgh plane crash victims remembered 50 years on". Edinburgh Evening News. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  4. "Aviation Safety Network". flightsafety.org. Retrieved 2024-08-06. citing ICAO Circular 88-AN/74 Volume III (70-82)
  5. "Edinburgh Airport tribute to victims of 1965 crash". Daily Express. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
Aviation accidents and incidents in 1965 (1965)
Jan 4 Aeroflot Flight 101/X-20Jan 16 USAF KC-135 Wichita crashFeb 6 LAN-Chile Flight 107Feb 8 Eastern Air Lines Flight 663Mar 7 Aeroflot Flight 542Mar 8 Aeroflot Flight 513Apr 14 British United Airways Flight 1030XMay 5 Iberia Flight 401May 20 Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705Jun 28 Pan Am Flight 843Jul 1 Continental Airlines Flight 12Jul 6 Little Baldon Hastings crashJul 8 Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 21Jul 10 Skyways Coach-Air Avro 748Jul 20 Cambrian Airways Liverpool crashJul 23 Allegheny Airlines Flight 604Aug 16 United Air Lines Flight 389Aug 24 Hong Kong US Marines KC-130F CrashSep 17 Pan Am Flight 292Sep 19 Gujarat Beechcraft incidentOct 20 Philippine Air Lines Flight 741Oct 27 British European Airways Vickers Vanguard crashNov 2 Argentine Air Force C-54 disappearanceNov 8 American Airlines Flight 383Nov 11 United Air Lines Flight 227Nov 11 Aeroflot Flight 99Dec 4 Carmel mid-air collisionDec 5 Philippine Sea A-4 incident
1964   ◄    ►   1966
Aviation accidents and incidents in the United Kingdom in the 1960s
1962
1963
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
Accidents and incidents in Crown Dependencies and current Overseas Territories are marked with an asterisk (*).
1950–1959 ◄ 1960–1969 ► 1970–1979
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