On May 21, 1940, a Fokker F36 (registration G-AFZR) operated by Scottish Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Prestwick, United Kingdom during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft stalled shortly after takeoff, leading to a crash and subsequent fire that destroyed the airframe. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A four-engine aircraft stalled shortly after takeoff and crashed near the runway, resulting in injuries to all four crew members and total loss of the airframe due to post-crash fire.
What happened
The incident occurred during the initial climb phase, shortly after the aircraft had departed the runway. The four-engine machine experienced a stall while gaining altitude. Unable to recover from this aerodynamic condition, the aircraft descended and impacted the ground in the immediate vicinity of the departure runway.
Upon impact, the airframe broke apart and immediately caught fire. The resulting post-crash blaze was intense enough to completely destroy the structure of the plane. All four crew members on board sustained injuries during the accident. No fatalities were reported in this event.
Probable cause
The aircraft stalled shortly after takeoff, leading to a crash and subsequent fire that destroyed the airframe.
What happened in the 21 May 1940 Fokker F36 accident near Prestwick, United Kingdom?
A four-engine aircraft stalled shortly after takeoff and crashed near the runway, resulting in injuries to all four crew members and total loss of the airframe due to post-crash fire.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 May 1940 Fokker F36 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 May 1940 involved a Fokker F36, registration G-AFZR, operated by Scottish Airways, at Prestwick, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft stalled shortly after takeoff, leading to a crash and subsequent fire that destroyed the airframe.
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