Engine failure and ditching of delivery aircraft off Scottish coast

1 fatality • Kyleakin, United Kingdom • Flight

A delivery flight from Montreal to Karachi ended in an emergency ditching off the coast of Scotland after both engines failed.

What happened

During a ferry flight intended to deliver an aircraft to the Pakistani government, the crew experienced a total loss of power while approaching the coastline of Scotland. The flight was being operated from Montreal toward Karachi when both engines ceased functioning.

In response to the dual engine failure, the pilot performed an emergency ditching maneuver near Kyleake. Upon contacting the water, the seaplane lost its floats and began to drift away from the site of impact. The aircraft eventually submerged and sank. During the incident, the crew managed to rescue five survivors, though the navigator was killed in the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary reason for the loss of power was fuel exhaustion. This depletion was accelerated by the presence of significant headwinds encountered during the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft ran out of fuel due to unexpected strong headwinds during the delivery flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1955-12-22 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Kyleakin, United Kingdom?

A delivery flight from Montreal to Karachi ended in an emergency ditching off the coast of Scotland after both engines failed.

Were there any fatalities in the 1955-12-22 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1955-12-22 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration CF-EPX, operated by Spartan Air Services, at Kyleakin, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft ran out of fuel due to unexpected strong headwinds during the delivery flight.

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