No fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crash landing in Peak District due to poor visibility (44-47194)

Haverigg, United KingdomFlight

On March 11, 1947, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration 44-47194) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Haverigg, United Kingdom in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with terrain caused by low visibility resulting from heavy snowfall. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-25Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft struck Black Combe Hill while flying from Prestwick to Bovingdon during heavy snowfall. Both crew members sustained minor injuries and survived the incident.

What happened

The incident occurred while the twin engine aircraft was en route from Prestwick to Bovingdon. At an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet over the Peak District National Park, the flight encountered deteriorating weather conditions characterized by heavy snowfall and significantly reduced visibility.

Due to these poor visual conditions, the aircraft collided with the summit of Black Combe Hill before executing a crash landing in deep snow. The impact resulted in both crew members sustaining slight injuries. Despite the damage to the airframe, the pilots were able to walk away from the wreckage. They spent several hours seeking assistance before being located.

The structural damage sustained by the aircraft was extensive, rendering it beyond repair. Consequently, the wreck was abandoned at the crash site.

Probable cause

Collision with terrain caused by low visibility resulting from heavy snowfall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Mar 1947 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Haverigg, United Kingdom?

A twin-engine aircraft struck Black Combe Hill while flying from Prestwick to Bovingdon during heavy snowfall. Both crew members sustained minor injuries and survived the incident.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Mar 1947 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Mar 1947 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration 44-47194, operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947), at Haverigg, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Collision with terrain caused by low visibility resulting from heavy snowfall.