2 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident during landing attempt on highway (G-AHPT)

Saint Albans, United KingdomFlight

On July 7, 1959, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration G-AHPT) operated by Don Everall Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Albans, United Kingdom in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The attempt to land on an unpaved and under-construction highway surface led to a crash and subsequent 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

A flight operating for Plascom/Tarmac Ltd crashed while attempting to land on an unfinished section of the M1 highway, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

A specialized flight conducted on behalf of Plasloc/Tarmac Ltd ended in a fatal accident during an attempt to touch down on the M1 highway. At the time of the incident, the motorway was still undergoing construction work. During the landing phase, the aircraft struck the ground and subsequently erupted into flames.

The impact and following fire resulted in two fatalities, including the pilot and one passenger. Additionally, four other occupants sustained injuries during the crash. The intensity of the post-crash fire led to the total destruction of the aircraft.

Findings

  • The accident occurred while the crew was attempting to utilize an unfinished section of the M1 highway as a landing site.
  • The impact with the construction zone triggered a fire that consumed the entire airframe.

Probable cause

The attempt to land on an unpaved and under-construction highway surface led to a crash and subsequent fire.