What happened
On October 26, 1952, BOAC Flight 115 operated as a scheduled service connecting London Heathrow to Palmietfontein Airport in Johannesburg. The aircraft involved was a Comet jet, bearing the registration G-ALYP. During the leg of the journey departing from Ciampino Airport in Rome, the plane attempted to take off but failed to become airborne within the available runway distance.
The aircraft overran the end of the runway and came to rest off the paved surface. Despite the significant impact and subsequent damage to the airframe, the incident did not result in any fatalities or serious injuries among the 43 people on board, including both the crew and passengers.
Investigation
This event is historically significant as it marked the first hull loss involving a Comet aircraft. The failure of the jet to achieve flight during the takeoff roll at Ciampino prompted an examination of the operational circumstances surrounding the departure. While the specific mechanical or procedural causes were not detailed in the provided source material, the incident highlighted early challenges associated with jet aviation operations.
Findings
The primary outcome of the event was the total loss of the aircraft, classified as a hull loss. The successful evacuation and survival of all occupants underscored the resilience of the passengers and crew under emergency conditions. This incident served as an early data point in the operational history of commercial jet travel, occurring during the formative years of the Comet's service life.