No fatalities

Fuel System Mismanagement Leads to Forced Landing of G-ARJY

Dublin, IrelandLanding (descent or approach)

On September 19, 1961, a Douglas DC-4 (registration G-ARJY) operated by Starways was involved in an aviation accident near Dublin, Ireland during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was attributed to incorrect management of the fuel system by the flight crew which resulted in partial Loss of power and control and a forced landing outside the airport. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On a chartered flight from Liverpool to Lourdes and onward to Dublin, G-ARJY experienced partial power loss due to incorrect fuel system management, resulting in a successful wheels-up emergency landing with no fatalities or serious injuries.

Flight Details

G-ARJY was operating a chartered non-scheduled trip from Speke Airport, Liverpool, to Tarbes Airport, Lourdes, where passengers were to embark for Dublin, Ireland. The flight to Lourdes was normal, and upon arrival the aircraft was refueled. The amount of fuel taken on appeared sufficient for the subsequent leg to Dublin. The aircraft carried 4 crew and 69 passengers.

Approach and Emergency

The aircraft departed Lourdes for Dublin at 1710 hours. The flight to Dublin Approach was uneventful. At 2035, the flight contacted Dublin Air Traffic Control and was advised of the local weather and the active runway. At 2058, clearance was received to land on runway 24, and the captain indicated his intention to make a visual approach.

At 2104, the flight reported difficulty and a loss of power. The captain abandoned the approach, executed an abrupt left turn, and performed a successful wheels-up emergency landing away from the airport. There was no fire.

Aftermath

Some occupants sustained minor injuries and shock, but there were no fatalities or serious injuries. The accident was attributed to incorrect management of the fuel system by the flight crew, which resulted in partial loss of power and control and a forced landing outside the airport.

Probable cause

The accident was attributed to incorrect management of the fuel system by the flight crew which resulted in partial Loss of power and control and a forced landing outside the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Sept 1961 Douglas DC-4 accident near Dublin, Ireland?

On a chartered flight from Liverpool to Lourdes and onward to Dublin, G-ARJY experienced partial power loss due to incorrect fuel system management, resulting in a successful wheels-up emergency landing with no fatalities or serious injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Sept 1961 Douglas DC-4 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Sept 1961 involved a Douglas DC-4, registration G-ARJY, operated by Starways, at Dublin, Ireland.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was attributed to incorrect management of the fuel system by the flight crew which resulted in partial Loss of power and control and a forced landing outside the airport.