1 fatality

Night Approach Accident Near Largs during Positioning Flight (G-AMRB)

Largs, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On March 28, 1956, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration G-AMRB) operated by Starways was involved in an aviation accident near Largs, United Kingdom during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An error of airmanship on the part of the captain. During an instrument approach at night he permitted the aircraft to descend below the approved safety height and this resulted in the aircraft striking the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 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 instrument approach, a positioning flight from Liverpool to Glasgow struck Greenside Hill near Largs. The aircraft was destroyed; the captain and stewardess were seriously injured, and the copilot was killed.

Accident Overview

The aircraft was performing a positioning flight from Liverpool-Speke Airport to Glasgow-Renfrew Airport, where it was scheduled to embark passengers for Lourdes, France. While on approach, the airplane descended too low and struck Greenside Hill near Largs. The impact destroyed the aircraft.

Crew and Injuries

The crew consisted of Captain Geoffrey Moss, Copilot Noel C. A. Stanley, and Stewardess Hilda Phillips. Both Captain Moss and Stewardess Phillips sustained serious injuries, while Copilot Stanley was killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an error of airmanship on the part of the captain. During an instrument approach conducted at night, he permitted the aircraft to descend below the approved safety height, resulting in the aircraft striking the ground.

Aftermath

No further details regarding the accident, such as the aircraft type, registration, or environmental conditions, were provided in the source material.