Ultralight Crash in Chonburi Kills Pilot Due to Wing Fabric Failure
An X-AIR HAWK ultralight crashed in Chonburi, Thailand, killing the pilot and injuring a passenger. The accident was caused by deteriorated wing fabric and…
7 fatalities
Bristol 170 Freighter accident at Isle of Portland, United Kingdom, 6 May 1949 (G-AIFF)
On May 6, 1949, a Bristol 170 Freighter (registration G-AIFF) operated by Bristol Aeroplane Company was involved in an aviation accident near Isle of Portland, United Kingdom in flight. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control caused by a structural failure in flight. Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the structural failure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 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
Probable cause
Loss of control caused by a structural failure in flight. Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the structural failure.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The crew consisting of pilots and engineers of the Bristol Aeroplane Company left Bristol-Filton Airport at 1003LT for a test flight to obtain engine and propeller datas in specific flight conditions. While cruising off the Isle of Portland, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and dove into The Channel. Some debris were found 26 km off the Portland's lighthouse and all seven crew members were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): Loss of control caused by a structural failure in flight. Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the structural failure.
More accident analyses
Ultralight Aircraft Excurses Runway at Pai Airport After Crosswind Gust
A Challenger II Special ultralight aircraft (U-B23) landed off-runway at Pai Airport, Mae Hong Son, on September 17, 2024, due to a gust of wind. No injuries…
PKBWL Investigating Serious Incident Involving AT-3R100
The Polish aviation safety authority is investigating a serious incident involving an AT-3R100 aircraft that occurred on September 2, 2024. The investigation…
Glider wing strike during low approach at Kruszyn airfield
A SZD-48-3 glider suffered damage when its left wing struck a ground obstacle during a low final approach at EPWK on June 20, 2025. The pilot was uninjured.
Fatal skydiving accident in Leszno involving a Crossfire 3-119
A 39-year-old skydiver died after a hard landing near Leszno on May 1, 2026. The PKBWL preliminary report indicates the fatal impact resulted from a late,…
Student Pilot Crash at Krosno Aerodrome Involving SZD-50-3 Puchacz
A student pilot crashed an SZD-50-3 Puchacz glider into the airfield fence during a solo training flight on June 6, 2026. The pilot was uninjured, but the…