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ATC Error Leads to Fatal Crash of Single-Engine Aircraft Near Glossop (52-6145)

Glossop, United KingdomFlight

On December 5, 1956, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration 52-6145) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Glossop, United Kingdom in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of an ATC error as the aircraft was misidentified by a GCA controller at RAF Burtonwood and guided against the mountain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft on a cross-country flight from RAF Sculthorpe to RAF Burtonwood struck a hill near Glossop, killing both occupants. The official probable cause was an ATC error by a GCA controller who misidentified the aircraft and guided it into the mountain.

Accident Overview

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a hill near Glossop while cruising in marginal weather conditions. The aircraft was en route from RAF Sculthorpe to RAF Burtonwood. Upon impact, the aircraft was destroyed.

Occupants

The two occupants were killed. The crew member was 1st Lt John Rossman Tinklepaugh, and the passenger was 1st Lt Guy B. Waller.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of an ATC error. A Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) controller at RAF Burtonwood misidentified the aircraft and guided it against the mountain.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Dec 1956 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Glossop, United Kingdom?

A single-engine aircraft on a cross-country flight from RAF Sculthorpe to RAF Burtonwood struck a hill near Glossop, killing both occupants. The official probable cause was an ATC error by a GCA controller who misidentified the aircraft and guided it into the mountain.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Dec 1956 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Dec 1956 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration 52-6145, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Glossop, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the consequence of an ATC error as the aircraft was misidentified by a GCA controller at RAF Burtonwood and guided against the mountain.

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