What happened
During the 1984 Farnborough International Air Display, a formation flight involving several de Havilland Canada aircraft was being performed. The group included a DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration C-GFJQ), Dash 7 and Dash 8 prototypes (C-GNBX and C-GDNK), and the primary aircraft involved, a DHC-5D Buffalo registered as C-GCTC.
At approximately 16:16, the DHC-5D Buffalo began its takeoff roll as the third aircraft in the sequence. Following takeoff, the pilot executed a steep ascent to 1000 feet above ground level. After performing a descending right-hand turn, the aircraft flew along the display line at an altitude of 250 feet and a speed of 215 knots. The flight profile then transitioned into a left-hand climbing turn spanning roughly 270 degrees, intended to position the plane for a short takeoff and landing (STOL) approach onto runway 25.
During this maneuvering phase, the crew deployed the landing gear and opened both the rear cargo door and the ramp. At an altitude of 450 feet, the aircraft's nose dropped sharply, leading to an increased rate of descent. The aircraft continued in a descending, side-slipping turn to the right. As it approached the runway, the descent rate leveled off slightly before the plane struck the ground with significant force. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, the wings to fail, and the propellers to disintegrate. The resulting debris field damaged several vehicles and three aircraft located in the static display area. There were no fatalities reported.
Findings
The accident was primarily attributed to an error of judgment by the pilot in command. Other contributing elements identified included challenging weather conditions, a transient handling issue occurring while operating the aircraft outside its established flight envelope, and the operational pressure on the commander to finish the scheduled flight sequence.