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Aircraft ground impact during delivery flight at Leavesden Airfield (OE-FAC)

Leavesden, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On December 16, 1957, a De Havilland DH.104 Dove (registration OE-FAC) operated by Aero Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Leavesden, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold due to an insufficient approach altitude. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A delivery flight approaching Leavesden Airfield resulted in a ground strike after the aircraft descended below the required altitude.

What happened

During a delivery operation originating from Austria, an aircraft was performing its final approach to Leavesden Airfield. As the flight progressed toward the runway threshold, the plane descended too low and made contact with the terrain before the runway began. The impact caused the aircraft to come to a stop on the ground.

There were two crew members on board at the time of the incident. Both individuals sustained slight injuries during the event. The aircraft itself suffered damage that rendered it beyond repair.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was that the aircraft was flying too low during the final approach phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold due to an insufficient approach altitude.

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