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Aircraft ground impact during approach to Port Ellen (G-ALWY)

Port Ellen, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On April 19, 1952, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration G-ALWY) operated by Air Enterprises was involved in an aviation accident near Port Ellen, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the ground during final approach due to an insufficient altitude. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained significant damage after striking the ground while on final approach to Port Ellen, resulting in no injuries.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight into Port Ellen, the aircraft descended below a safe altitude and made contact with the terrain. This impact resulted in the separation of the undercarriage from the airframe. Following the initial strike, the plane continued to slide along its fuselage for a short distance before the motion ceased.

There were six occupants on board at the time of the incident, all of whom remained unhurt. Although there were no casualties, the structural damage sustained during the ground excursion was so severe that the aircraft was declared a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was that the aircraft was flying too low during its approach to the destination.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground during final approach due to an insufficient altitude.

Related events

Same operator

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