No fatalities

Aircraft Crash on Approach to Birmingham Airport Injures Nine (G-AGLR)

Birmingham, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On October 7, 1956, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration G-AGLR) operated by Don Everall Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Birmingham, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel exhaustion, although fuel remained possibly in an auxiliary tank as the aircraft caught fire. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 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 on final approach to Birmingham Airport experienced simultaneous failure of both engines, crashing in a field near Berkswell. All nine occupants were injured, and the aircraft was destroyed by fire. Investigators believe fuel exhaustion caused the accident.

Incident Overview

On final approach to Birmingham Airport, an aircraft experienced a simultaneous failure of both engines. The crew decided to attempt an emergency landing, but the aircraft crashed in flames in a field located in Berkswell, approximately 5 miles short of the threshold of runway 33. All nine occupants sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed by the post-crash fire.

Accident Details

The incident occurred as the aircraft was approaching Birmingham Airport. Both engines failed at the same time during the final approach phase. The crew initiated an emergency landing procedure, but the aircraft did not reach the runway. Instead, it came down in a field in the Berkswell area. The impact and subsequent fire completely destroyed the aircraft. All nine people on board were injured in the accident.

Investigation

Investigators have determined that the accident was likely caused by fuel exhaustion. Despite the apparent fuel exhaustion, it was noted that fuel probably remained in an auxiliary tank, as evidenced by the aircraft catching fire. The exact circumstances leading to the fuel exhaustion are part of the ongoing investigation.

Probable cause

fuel exhaustion, although fuel remained possibly in an auxiliary tank as the aircraft caught fire