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Fuel Exhaustion Prompts Ditching in Solent After Engine Failures (G-AHIG)

Calshot AFB, United KingdomFlight

On August 6, 1955, an Avro 652 Anson (registration G-AHIG) operated by Fairways Jersey was involved in an aviation accident near Calshot AFB, United Kingdom in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both engines failed in-flight due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot failed to prepare his flight properly and did not refuel at Jersey (Saint Peter) Airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot ditched a single-engine aircraft in the Solent off Calshot after both engines lost power due to fuel exhaustion. All 11 occupants were rescued by a yacht crew.

Incident Overview

While en route from Jersey to Blackbushe, the pilot of an aircraft encountered technical problems with both engines, which subsequently lost power. Flying over the Isle of Wight at the time, the pilot reduced altitude and ditched the aircraft on the Solent, off Calshot. The aircraft sank and was lost, but all 11 occupants were quickly rescued by the crew of a nearby yacht and later transferred to shore.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that both engines failed in-flight due to fuel exhaustion. It is believed that the pilot failed to properly prepare the flight and did not refuel at Jersey (Saint Peter) Airport before departure.

Probable cause

Both engines failed in-flight due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot failed to prepare his flight properly and did not refuel at Jersey (Saint Peter) Airport.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

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