Lockheed 18 LodeStar accident at Leuchars AFB, United Kingdom, 17 Dec 1943 (G-AGDE)
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: Control was lost on approach to RAF Leuchars due to excessive ice accumulation on wings surface and fuselage while the aircraft was flying 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.
Probable cause
Control was lost on approach to RAF Leuchars due to excessive ice accumulation on wings surface and fuselage while the aircraft was flying in icing conditions.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Following an uneventful flight from Stockholm-Bromma Airport, the twin engine aircraft was descending to RAF Leuchars in marginal weather and icing conditions. By night, while cruising at a height of 6,000 feet, the aircraft went out of control and dove into the sea some 24 km off the Airbase. SAR operations were quickly deployed on site but no trace of the aircraft nor the 10 occupants was found.
Probable cause (official findings): Control was lost on approach to RAF Leuchars due to excessive ice accumulation on wings surface and fuselage while the aircraft was flying in icing conditions.