Narrative:Douglas C-47A G-AGIX departed Edinburgh at 19:03 GMT for a flight to Northolt. At about 20:37 GMT no. 2 engine problems (a.o. fluctuating rpm) forced the crew to feather the propeller. The remaining no. 1 engine was then set at 2450rpm and 36" Hg boost. When the oil temperature rose and oil pressure started to fall, a decision was made to divert to Sywell. The aircraft overshot the runway and struck high tension cables in an almost completely stalled condition. A forced belly landing was made in a wheat field.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "1) The accident was caused by an error of judgement on the part of the pilot whilst attempting a single-engined landing in dusk conditions. 2) The malfunctioning of the starboard engine constant speed unit was due to the failure if the filter gauze in fatigue. The subsequent surging and overspeeding was due to restriction to free movement of the control valve, occasioned by the passage of pieces of filter wire through the unit."
Classification:
Forced landing outside airport
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Edinburgh-Turnhouse Airport to London-Northolt Airport as the crow flies is 522 km (326 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.