No fatalities

Multi-engine aircraft crash landing after sequential engine failures (G-ALBX)

Wünsdorf AFB, GermanyTakeoff (climb)

On June 19, 1949, an Avro 685 York (registration G-ALBX) operated by Skyways of London was involved in an aviation accident near Wünsdorf AFB, Germany during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Sequential engine failures during initial climb led to a forced emergency landing in a field. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A multi-engine aircraft made an emergency field landing a few kilometers from the airport after two engines failed during initial climb, resulting in no injuries but total loss of the airframe.

What happened

The incident occurred shortly after takeoff while the aircraft was in its initial climb phase. During this period, engine number four experienced a failure. The flight crew decided to return to the departure point. While descending to an altitude of approximately 550 feet, engine number three also suffered a loss of power. Faced with these dual engine failures, the captain attempted to execute an emergency landing in a nearby field. The aircraft crash landed and came to rest a few kilometers away from the airport. All three crew members on board were unhurt, although the airframe sustained damage beyond repair.

Findings

The official investigation identified engine failure as the primary cause of the accident.

Probable cause

Sequential engine failures during initial climb led to a forced emergency landing in a field.