On May 17, 1948, a Handley Page H.P.70 Halifax VIII (registration G-AKAD) operated by British American Air Services - BAAS was involved in an aviation accident near Rennes, France during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the collapse of the undercarriage during the landing phase. 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.
An aircraft suffered a total loss after its undercarriage failed upon landing at Rennes. The incident resulted in no injuries to the occupants.
What happened
During the landing phase at Rennes, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving its landing gear. Specifically, the undercarriage collapsed as the plane touched down. Following this structural failure, the airframe slid across the runway surface for several yards before eventually coming to a complete stop. The impact and subsequent slide caused significant damage to the structure of the aircraft.
Despite the severity of the mechanical failure and the resulting collision with the ground, there were no injuries reported among those on board. However, the extent of the structural damage sustained during the incident rendered the airframe unserviceable. The aircraft was declared damaged beyond repair and written off as a total loss.
Probable cause
The accident was caused by the collapse of the undercarriage during the landing phase.
What happened in the 17 May 1948 Handley Page H.P.70 Halifax VIII accident near Rennes, France?
An aircraft suffered a total loss after its undercarriage failed upon landing at Rennes. The incident resulted in no injuries to the occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 May 1948 Handley Page H.P.70 Halifax VIII accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 May 1948 involved a Handley Page H.P.70 Halifax VIII, registration G-AKAD, operated by British American Air Services - BAAS, at Rennes, France.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident was caused by the collapse of the undercarriage during the landing phase.
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