Fokker F27 crash during visual approach to Guernsey

2 fatalities • Saint Peter-La Villiaze, United Kingdom • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo Fokker F27 crashed short of the runway at Guernsey Airport after the crew experienced a stall during a visual approach.

What happened

A Fokker F27 was performing a cargo flight from Luton to Guernsey, transporting newspapers. The flight departed Luton at 16:14 and reached a cruising altitude between 15,000 and 16,000 feet. As the aircraft approached Guernsey, the crew was vectored toward the final approach by Jersey Radar. During the approach, the crew completed the approach checklist and set the flaps to 16 degrees.

As the aircraft neared the runway threshold, the pilot decided to transition from the instrument landing system to a visual approach, noting that the runway was visible. The crew notified air traffic control of their intent to proceed visually, and control was transferred to Guernsey Tower. While the aerodrome controller initially cleared the aircraft to continue, there was other departing traffic on the runway at the time. The pilot requested flaps be extended to 26 degrees and initiated the landing checklist.

During the descent, the pilot noted that the aircraft was slightly above the glide path indicated by the precision approach path indicator lights. The pilot then instructed the first officer to select flaps to 40 degrees and maintain a speed below 144 knots. Following a brief period of silence, the first officer noted an error during the configuration process. The pilot then ordered the flaps to be reset to 26 degrees, and engine power was increased. Cockpit recordings captured the pilot using expletives and the sound of various switches being operated, alongside a warning horn. During the final approach, the aircraft entered a nose-high attitude and lost control. The plane entered a stall, striking a house on Forest Road with its left wing before crashing into a field near the runway, resulting in zero survivors.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall and lost control following an improper flap configuration and subsequent sudden power and control inputs during a visual approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-01-12 Fokker F27 Friendship accident near Saint Peter-La Villiaze, United Kingdom?

A cargo Fokker F27 crashed short of the runway at Guernsey Airport after the crew experienced a stall during a visual approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1999-01-12 Fokker F27 Friendship accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-01-12 involved a Fokker F27 Friendship, registration G-CHNL, operated by Channel Express - Air Services, at Saint Peter-La Villiaze, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall and lost control following an improper flap configuration and subsequent sudden power and control inputs during a visual approach.

Loading the flight search…