FlightFinder
Check my flight
7 fatalities

Bristol 170 Freighter accident at Isle of Portland, United Kingdom, 6 May 1949 (G-AIFF)

Isle of Portland, United KingdomFlight

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)Source recordUpdated 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.

— the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A) 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.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 May 1949 Bristol 170 Freighter accident near Isle of Portland, United Kingdom?

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…

Were there any fatalities in the 6 May 1949 Bristol 170 Freighter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 May 1949 involved a Bristol 170 Freighter, registration G-AIFF, operated by Bristol Aeroplane Company, at Isle of Portland, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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