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Aircraft ground impact near Land's End Airport (G-AKZB)

Land's End, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On December 12, 1961, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration G-AKZB) operated by British European Airways - BEA was involved in an aviation accident near Land's End, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway due to an insufficient altitude during the final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 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

A twin-engine aircraft struck the ground short of the runway during its final approach to Land's End Airport, resulting in significant damage but no fatalities.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight toward Land's End Airport, a twin engine aircraft descended below the necessary altitude and made contact with the terrain before reaching the runway. The impact occurred short of the landing strip.

As a result of the collision with the ground, the left main landing gear was completely severed from the airframe. The subsequent movement of the aircraft caused both wings on the left side to suffer partial structural failure through shearing.

Findings

  • There were zero fatalities and no injuries reported following the incident.
  • The aircraft sustained damage so extensive that it was declared a total loss.
  • The primary factor in the accident was that the aircraft was too low during its approach to the airport.

Probable cause

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

Related events

Same operator

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