No fatalities

Twin Engine Aircraft Crashes After Encountering Severe Icing Near Newcastle Airport (G-AFMF)

Simonburn, United KingdomFlight

On February 19, 1954, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration G-AFMF) operated by Oldstead Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Simonburn, United Kingdom in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the pilot failed to prepare the flight according to procedures as he started the mission without any information about weather conditions along the route. Thus, he was unaware of the icing conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin engine aircraft crashed in fire near Newcastle Airport after encountering severe icing conditions at 3,200 feet. All eight occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Details

Ten minutes after departing from Newcastle Airport, the pilot of a twin engine aircraft encountered severe icing conditions. The leading edges of the aircraft became contaminated with ice. At an altitude of 3,200 feet and while in a flat attitude, the aircraft struck the ground and was engulfed in fire. All eight occupants sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the pilot failed to prepare the flight according to procedures. The pilot initiated the mission without obtaining any information about weather conditions along the route, and thus was unaware of the icing conditions. Additionally, the aircraft was not equipped with deice or anti-ice systems, which was contrary to applicable regulations. The absence of such systems was cited as a contributory factor to the accident.

Probable cause

It was determined that the pilot failed to prepare the flight according to procedures as he started the mission without any information about weather conditions along the route. Thus, he was unaware of the icing conditions. It was also reported that the aircraft was not equipped with deice/anti-ice systems, which was against the regulations and considered as a contributory factor.