1 fatality

Twin-engine aircraft crash near Dunbeath due to fuel exhaustion (G-ACAN)

Dunbeath, United KingdomFlight

On May 21, 1941, a De Havilland DH.84 Dragon (registration G-ACAN) operated by Allied Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Dunbeath, United Kingdom in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by a double engine failure resulting from fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a pasture near Dunbeath after suffering a double engine failure while en route from Glasgow to Wick. All six occupants were injured, and the pilot died nine days later.

What happened

The twin-engine airplane departed Glasgow-Renfrew Airport on a scheduled service destined for Wick, with an intermediate stop planned in Inverness. The aircraft was carrying five passengers and one pilot at the time of departure. During the flight, the engine systems failed simultaneously, resulting in a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to execute an emergency landing but the aircraft crashed into a pasture located near Dunbeath.

All six individuals on board sustained injuries in the accident. The airframe was damaged beyond repair. Although the initial crash did not result in immediate fatalities, the pilot succumbed to their injuries nine days later on May 30.

Findings

The official investigation determined that the loss of power was not due to mechanical malfunction or external interference. Instead, the double engine failure was directly caused by fuel exhaustion, indicating that the aircraft ran out of usable fuel before reaching its destination or a suitable diversion point.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a double engine failure resulting from fuel exhaustion.