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1969-07-11: De Havilland DH.114 Heron (TN-ABA) — Cogeair - Compagnie Générale Aérienne Africaine — Ruddervoorde, Belgium

Ruddervoorde, BelgiumFlight

On July 11, 1969, a De Havilland DH.114 Heron (registration TN-ABA) operated by Cogeair - Compagnie Générale Aérienne Africaine was involved in an aviation accident near Ruddervoorde, Belgium in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the accident was the in-flight failure of two engines. The initial cause of this failure was most likely due to a failure to follow the manufacturer’s prescribed procedure for restarting the engines after a relatively long period of inactivity. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781237386Data APIEditorial standards

On July 11, a ferry flight from Charleroi to London-Gatwick experienced vibrations and fire in two engines. The pilot shut down both but could not feather one propeller. The aircraft struck trees and crash landed in a potato field; pilot unhurt, aircraft destroyed.

Incident Overview

A ferry flight from Charleroi-Gosselies Airport to London-Gatwick Airport encountered multiple engine failures on July 11. The airplane had been parked at Charleroi since its arrival on January 24. A ferry permit was issued in June, and the decision to ferry the aircraft was made on July 11.

Flight and Engine Failures

The pilot departed at 1551 local time. At 1634, while at cruising altitude, engine number 4 experienced vibrations, leading the pilot to shut it down. Three minutes later, engine number 3 emitted smoke and then caught fire. The pilot shut down this engine as well but was unable to feather its propeller for unknown reasons.

Emergency Landing and Outcome

The pilot reduced altitude and attempted an emergency landing. During the landing attempt, the aircraft struck trees and crash landed in a potato field. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft was considered damaged beyond repair. The pilot had 8,530 total flying hours but zero experience on that specific aircraft type.

Probable cause

The cause of the accident was the in-flight failure of two engines. The initial cause of this failure was most likely due to a failure to follow the manufacturer’s prescribed procedure for restarting the engines after a relatively long period of inactivity.

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