On September 22, 1954, an Avro 685 York (registration G-ANRC) operated by Scottish Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Stansted, United Kingdom during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the runway and caught fire due to a landing gear collapse triggered by an overcorrection during heavy crosswinds. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft caught fire after a gear collapse during a takeoff roll in heavy crosswinds, resulting in the destruction of the plane but no fatalities.
What happened
During the initial stages of departure, the aircraft encountered significant crosswind conditions. As the takeoff roll progressed, the plane began to drift toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to maintain the centerline, the pilot applied a correction that caused the aircraft to swing sharply to the right. This sudden movement resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear.
Following the structural failure of the gear, the aircraft lost directional control and veered off the paved surface. The momentum of the excursion led to the vehicle coming to a stop where a fire subsequently broke out. All 49 occupants were able to exit the aircraft safely during a rapid evacuation, though the aircraft type was completely destroyed by the resulting flames.
Findings
High-velocity crosswinds at the time of departure.
Pilot overcorrection following an initial leftward deviation.
Mechanical failure of the left main landing gear during the takeoff run.
Probable cause
The aircraft veered off the runway and caught fire due to a landing gear collapse triggered by an overcorrection during heavy crosswinds.