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Aircraft Strikes Trees in Fog Shortly After Takeoff from Blackbushe (G-BBPV)

Blackbushe, United KingdomTakeoff (climb)

On October 19, 1975, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration G-BBPV) operated by British Car Auctions (Publications) was involved in an aviation accident near Blackbushe, United Kingdom during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the aircraft descending into fog covered ground. No reason for this loss of height could be positively established but there is a strong possibility that the pilot's ability to fly the aircraft became impaired by the onset of… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

En route from Blackbushe to Stansted, an aircraft descended into fog-covered terrain and struck trees, catching fire. The sole pilot was killed. The probable cause is descending into fog-covered ground, with possible pilot impairment from coronary artery disease.

Accident Details

The aircraft departed from Blackbushe Airport en route to Stansted Airport. Approximately three minutes after takeoff, the aircraft descended to an altitude consistent with the aerodrome level and collided with trees. The trees were obscured by fog and low cloud, reducing visibility. The impact caused a fire to ignite, and the aircraft was consumed by flames. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries in the accident.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the accident was caused by the aircraft descending into fog-covered ground. Investigators could not positively establish a reason for the loss of height. However, they noted a strong possibility that the pilot's ability to pilot the aircraft became impaired due to the onset of symptoms associated with coronary artery disease.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Oct 1975 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Blackbushe, United Kingdom?

En route from Blackbushe to Stansted, an aircraft descended into fog-covered terrain and struck trees, catching fire. The sole pilot was killed. The probable cause is descending into fog-covered ground, with possible pilot impairment from coronary artery disease.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Oct 1975 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Oct 1975 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration G-BBPV, operated by British Car Auctions (Publications), at Blackbushe, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft descending into fog covered ground. No reason for this loss of height could be positively established but there is a strong possibility that the pilot's ability to fly the aircraft became impaired by the onset of symptoms associated with coronary artery disease.

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