On April 1, 1946, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration G-AERZ) operated by Railway Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Belfast-City, United Kingdom during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Crew error involving an approach flown at an altitude that was too low. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Aircraft struck trees during a visual approach in heavy rain, killing all six occupants.
What happened
During an approach to Belfast-City Airport, the pilot encountered heavy rainfall that reduced horizontal visibility to 180 meters. In an apparent effort to maintain visual contact with the ground, the pilot lowered the aircraft's altitude. The plane subsequently struck treetops and crashed into a wooded area in Craigavad Cultra, located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of the airport. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all six people on board.
Findings
The official investigation attributed the accident to crew error, specifically identifying that the approach was conducted at an altitude that was too low for the prevailing weather conditions.
Probable cause
Crew error involving an approach flown at an altitude that was too low.
What happened in the 1 Apr 1946 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident near Belfast-City, United Kingdom?
Aircraft struck trees during a visual approach in heavy rain, killing all six occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Apr 1946 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Apr 1946 involved a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registration G-AERZ, operated by Railway Air Services, at Belfast-City, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Crew error involving an approach flown at an altitude that was too low.
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