On April 25, 1939, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration G-AEAK) operated by Isle of Man Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Liverpool-John Lennon (ex Speke), United Kingdom during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a tall tree because it was flying too low during the night approach to Liverpool-Speke Airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a tall tree while approaching Liverpool-Speke Airport at night, resulting in one fatality and four injuries among the occupants.
What happened
The incident involved a twin-engine aircraft that had completed an anti-aircraft exercise with the Territorial Army over the Liverpool area. Following the conclusion of the mission, the crew initiated their return to base. During the final approach to Liverpool-Speke Airport under night conditions, the aircraft descended too low for its position. It subsequently collided with a tall tree, causing the nose to drop and the plane to crash.
Findings
The accident resulted in significant casualties among those on board. One passenger lost their life in the impact, while the four other occupants sustained injuries. The primary contributing factor identified was the aircraft's excessive low altitude during the approach phase, which led directly to the collision with terrain and obstacles.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck a tall tree because it was flying too low during the night approach to Liverpool-Speke Airport.
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