Engine failure and crash near Birmingham Airport

No fatalities • Birmingham, United Kingdom • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced simultaneous engine failure during its final approach to Birmingham Airport, resulting in a crash in Berkswell.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward Birmingham Airport, the aircraft suffered a dual engine failure. In an attempt to manage the emergency, the crew attempted to perform an unplanned landing; however, the plane struck a field in the Berkswell area, approximately five miles before reaching the threshold of runway 33. The impact resulted in a significant fire that consumed the wreckage.

All nine people on board sustained injuries, though there were no fatalities reported.

Findings

Investigations into the incident suggest that the loss of power was likely due to fuel exhaustion. While the aircraft's engines ceased functioning, evidence indicates that fuel may have still been present within the auxiliary tank, as this remaining fuel contributed to the post-crash fire.

Probable cause

The simultaneous failure of both engines was likely caused by the depletion of usable fuel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1956-10-07 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident near Birmingham, United Kingdom?

An aircraft experienced simultaneous engine failure during its final approach to Birmingham Airport, resulting in a crash in Berkswell.

Were there any fatalities in the 1956-10-07 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1956-10-07 involved a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registration G-AGLR, operated by Don Everall Aviation, at Birmingham, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The simultaneous failure of both engines was likely caused by the depletion of usable fuel.

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