No fatalities

1967-12-04: Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy (G-ASXP) — British European Airways - BEA — Stansted, United Kingdom

Stansted, United KingdomTakeoff (climb)

On December 4, 1967, an Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy (registration G-ASXP) operated by British European Airways - BEA was involved in an aviation accident near Stansted, United Kingdom during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was due to a loss of control during a takeoff with a simulated failure of the engine. The loss of control was most probably the result of No.4 propeller going into ground fine pitch when the engine was throttled back. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781239355Data APIEditorial standards

During a local training flight at Stansted Airport, the crew lost control after takeoff while simulating an engine failure. The aircraft stalled and crashed in an open field, destroying the aircraft and injuring all three crew members.

Incident Overview

On a local training flight at Stansted Airport, the crew was conducting maneuvers simulating an engine failure at takeoff. Shortly after becoming airborne, during the initial climb, control was lost. The aircraft stalled and subsequently crashed in flames in an open field. The aircraft was destroyed, and all three crew members sustained injuries.

Sequence of Events

According to the investigation, the crew was performing a training exercise involving a simulated engine failure during takeoff. While in the initial climb phase, the aircraft entered a stall and descended uncontrollably, impacting the ground in an open area. The post-crash fire engulfed the wreckage.

Investigation Findings

The official probable cause attributes the accident to a loss of control during a takeoff with a simulated failure of the engine. The loss of control was most likely the result of the No. 4 propeller inadvertently entering ground fine pitch when the engine was throttled back. No further details were provided regarding aircraft type, registration, or specific meteorological conditions.