No fatalities

Nighttime Blizzard Runway Excursion Involving Twin-Engine Aircraft (G-AEPP)

Croydon, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On December 13, 1937, a Lockheed 10 Electra (registration G-AEPP) operated by British Airways (1935) was involved in an aviation accident near Croydon, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of aircraft control during the landing roll in night blizzard conditions resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a fuel station. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-27Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft veered off the runway during a night landing in blizzard conditions, colliding with a fuel station. All four occupants evacuated safely without injury.

What happened

The incident occurred during nighttime operations under severe weather conditions, specifically a blizzard. Following touchdown, the twin engine aircraft lost directional control on the runway surface. The airframe subsequently veered off the paved area and struck a nearby fuel station. Upon impact, the aircraft sustained significant structural damage, resulting in it breaking into two sections. Despite the severity of the collision and the compromised state of the fuselage, all four individuals on board managed to evacuate the wreckage safely. There were no reports of fatalities or injuries among the occupants.

Findings

The primary contributing factor identified was the loss of control immediately after landing in adverse weather conditions. The combination of low visibility due to the blizzard and the night environment likely complicated the pilot's ability to maintain runway alignment during the rollout phase, leading to the excursion and subsequent collision with ground infrastructure.

Probable cause

Loss of aircraft control during the landing roll in night blizzard conditions resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a fuel station.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Dec 1937 Lockheed 10 Electra accident near Croydon, United Kingdom?

A twin-engine aircraft veered off the runway during a night landing in blizzard conditions, colliding with a fuel station. All four occupants evacuated safely without injury.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Dec 1937 Lockheed 10 Electra accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Dec 1937 involved a Lockheed 10 Electra, registration G-AEPP, operated by British Airways (1935), at Croydon, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of aircraft control during the landing roll in night blizzard conditions resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a fuel station.