Consolidated LB-30 Liberator accident at Merryfield AFB, United Kingdom, 22 Nov 1945 (KH126)
On November 22, 1945, a Consolidated LB-30 Liberator (registration KH126) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Merryfield AFB, United Kingdom during takeoff. 27 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The captain completed the first turn to the left after takeoff at a too low altitude, about 800 feet instead of the minimum 1,500 feet as mentioned in the departure procedures. 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.
Probable cause
The captain completed the first turn to the left after takeoff at a too low altitude, about 800 feet instead of the minimum 1,500 feet as mentioned in the departure procedures. Low visibility due to poor weather conditions was considered as a contributory factor.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Shortly after liftoff from RAF Merryfield, while in initial climb, the captain made a turn to the left when the aircraft hit the slope of the Castle Hill located 4 miles from the airport. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and all 27 occupants were killed. Crew: F/Lt L. Mielecki, pilot, F/O G. T. Miers, copilot, F/O S. Kleybor, navigator, F/Sgt J. Anderson, flight engineer, F/O A. Wize, wireless operator. Passengers: Sig R. O. Anderson, Sig R. C. Anderson, Sig J. H. Attwood, Sig D. B. Benjamin, Lt P. T. Biles, Sig A. T. Birch, Sig J. W. A. Brewis, Cpt H. C. Buck, Sig W. A. Charlton, Sig A. E. Clark, Sig L. J. Curry, Sig H. Donovan, Sig L. H. Downes, Sig L. R. Dyer, Sig P. B. Fairbairn, Sig R. D. Farrance, Dri B. W. Fox, Sig F. W. Gent, Lt A. G. Quick, Maj H. W. G. Staunton, Sig R. Williams, Sig C. Williams.
Probable cause (official findings): The captain completed the first turn to the left after takeoff at a too low altitude, about 800 feet instead of the minimum 1,500 feet as mentioned in the departure procedures. Low visibility due to poor weather conditions was considered as a contributory factor.