On December 17, 1943, a Lockheed 18 LodeStar (registration G-AGDE) operated by British Overseas Airways Corporation - BOAC was involved in an aviation accident near Leuchars AFB, United Kingdom during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control due to excessive ice accumulation on the wings and fuselage during flight in icing conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the North Sea during a night approach to RAF Leuchars, resulting in the loss of all ten occupants on board.
What happened
The incident occurred during a flight originating from Stockholm-Bromma Airport. The twin-engine aircraft was descending toward RAF Leachars under marginal weather conditions that included icing. By nightfall, while maintaining a cruising altitude of 6,000 feet, the airframe lost control and plunged into the sea approximately 24 kilometers from the airbase. Search and rescue teams were rapidly deployed to the area, but no wreckage or survivors were recovered. All 10 occupants perished in the accident.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the loss of control was caused by excessive ice accumulation on the wings and fuselage. This buildup occurred while the aircraft was operating in icing conditions during its approach to RAF Leuchars.
Probable cause
Loss of control due to excessive ice accumulation on the wings and fuselage during flight in icing conditions.
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