1951 Ringway Dakota crash

On 27 March 1951 a Douglas Dakota 3 cargo aircraft registered G-AJVZ operated by Air Transport Charter en route from Ringway Airport, Manchester, England, to Nutts Corner Airport, Antrim, Northern Ireland, crashed shortly after takeoff following the failure of the aircraft to gain height. There were two fatalities amongst the crew on board.

1951 Ringway Dakota accident
A Douglas Dakota similar to the accident aircraft
Accident
Date27 March 1951
SummaryIcing leading to mechanical failure
SiteRingway Airport, Manchester, England
53°21′47″N 2°15′43″W / 53.363°N 2.262°W / 53.363; -2.262
Aircraft typeDouglas Dakota 3
OperatorAir Transport Charter[1]
RegistrationG-AJVZ
Flight originRingway, Manchester, England
DestinationNutts Corner Airport, Antrim, Northern Ireland
Passengers0
Crew3
Fatalities2
Injuries1
Survivors1

Accident

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The wreckage of C-47A G-AJVZ at Heyhead on the morning of 27 March 1951.

The Dakota was operating a flight carrying newspapers from Ringway to Nutts Corner. On takeoff from Runway 06 in freezing conditions and light falling snow, it swung to port, failed to climb, and struck the top of a tree in Woodhouse Lane, close to the hamlet of Heyhead, half a mile from the end of the runway. Both pilots were killed.[2]

Conclusion

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The subsequent investigation found that the crash resulted from a loss of engine power caused by ice formation in the carburettor intakes attributable to the captain's failure to make use of the heat controls. The extended undercarriage and the presence of snow on the wings may have also been contributory factors.[2][3]

References

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  1. ^ "ATDB.aero aerotransport.org AeroTransport Data Bank". aerotransport.org. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Civil Aviation: The Ringway Dakota Accident". Flight: 575–576. 2 November 1951.
  3. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident Douglas C-47A-75-DL Dakota 3 G-AJVZ Manchester-Ringway Airport (MAN)". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
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