7 fatalities

Airshow Accident at Biggin Hill Airport Claims Seven Lives (N3710G)

Biggin Hill, United KingdomFlight

On September 21, 1980, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration N3710G) operated by Cavalier Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Biggin Hill, United Kingdom in flight. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The airplane was intact until impact and both engines were running properly. 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

During an airshow at Biggin Hill Airport, an aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all seven people on board. The exact cause remains undetermined.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft was participating in an airshow at Biggin Hill Airport, organized for the Battle of Britain air display. Shortly after departing from runway 21, the pilot initiated a turn to fly over the airport. During this maneuver, the aircraft nosed down and crashed in a large fireball approximately 500 yards from the airfield. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft.

Occupants

All seven occupants were killed in the accident. The pilot was identified as Don Bullock. The six passengers were Peter Warren, Arthur Heath, Don Thompson, Kevin Vince, Gary French, and Roger Russell.

Investigation

The official investigation into the accident could not determine the exact cause. According to the findings, the airplane remained intact until impact, and both engines were operating properly at the time of the crash. No further details regarding the circumstances leading to the loss of control were provided.

The investigation concluded that no definitive cause could be established based on the available evidence. The aircraft's structural integrity and engine performance were ruled out as contributing factors, leaving the reason for the nosedive unexplained.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The airplane was intact until impact and both engines were running properly.