No fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft strikes hill during approach to Kirkwall Airport (G-AFEY)

Kirkwall, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On March 18, 1940, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration G-AFEY) operated by Scottish Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Kirkwall, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck terrain because the pilot performed the approach at an altitude too low to see the hill. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a hill in Wideford while approaching Kirkwall Airport, resulting in injuries to all six occupants and total loss of the airframe.

What happened

During an approach phase toward Kirkwall Airport, a twin engine aircraft encountered terrain. The accident occurred in the area of Wideford, located approximately five miles northwest of the airfield. Upon impact with the hillside, the aircraft was destroyed. All six individuals on board sustained injuries as a result of the collision.

Findings

The investigation indicated that the pilot conducted the approach at an altitude that was too low for the conditions. Due to this low trajectory, the terrain was not visible to the crew, leading to the controlled flight into terrain event.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain because the pilot performed the approach at an altitude too low to see the hill.