Incident
During a descent to Portsmouth from the south, the crew of an aircraft encountered poor weather conditions. While approaching the Isle of Wight, the pilot-in-command reduced altitude. The aircraft subsequently struck a hill in Saint Boniface Down, northeast of Ventnor, and crashed in flames.
Casualties and Damage
The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. Two pilots and eight passengers were killed instantly. The stewardess and another passenger later died from their injuries. Five passengers sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause: "As a result of an error of airmanship the aircraft was flown below a safe altitude in bad weather conditions and struck cloud-covered high ground."