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.
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.
What happened in the 18 Mar 1940 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident near Kirkwall, United Kingdom?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Mar 1940 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Mar 1940 involved a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registration G-AFEY, operated by Scottish Airways, at Kirkwall, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft struck terrain because the pilot performed the approach at an altitude too low to see the hill.
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