7 fatalities

Four-engine aircraft crash during takeoff from RAF Donibristle (AX844)

Donibristle AFB, United KingdomTakeoff (climb)

On March 31, 1943, a De Havilland DH.86 Express (registration AX844) operated by Royal Navy was involved in an aviation accident near Donibristle AFB, United Kingdom during takeoff. 7 people were killed. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from RAF Donibristle while en route to Edinburgh. Seven occupants were killed and one passenger was seriously injured.

What happened

The crew departed RAF Donibristle for a short five-minute flight to RAF Turnhouse in Edinburgh. The primary objective of the sortie was to provide the pilot with familiarization experience flying over the Firth of Forth. During the takeoff phase, the four-engine aircraft lost control and crashed into the ground. The accident resulted in seven fatalities among the occupants, while one passenger sustained serious injuries.

Findings

The source material does not provide specific technical findings or a formal investigation report regarding the mechanical or human factors that led to the loss of control during takeoff.