2 fatalities

Delivery Flight to French Air Force Crashes Near Prestwick (8811-B)

Sorn, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On August 13, 1956, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 8811-B) operated by French Air Force - Armée de l'Air was involved in an aviation accident near Sorn, United Kingdom during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a night approach to Prestwick, an aircraft delivering to the French Air Force struck the ground at 800 feet, became airborne briefly, then crashed near Sorn. Both crew members were killed; wreckage found hours later.

Incident

The crew was completing a delivery flight from the United States to France via Keflavík and Prestwick. While conducting a night approach to Prestwick Airport, the flight encountered low visibility due to poor weather conditions. At an altitude of 800 feet, the aircraft struck the ground, became briefly airborne, and then crashed in a large explosion approximately 20 kilometers east of Prestwick Airport, near the village of Sorn.

Wreckage Discovery

The wreckage was found five hours after the accident. Both crew members had been killed in the crash.

Crew

The pilot was identified as Edgar Joseph Flanagan, and the navigator as Wayne Archer Taylor. The aircraft was being delivered to the French Air Force (Armée de l'Air).