On January 11, 1988, a Short 330 (registration G-BHWT) operated by Fairflight was involved in an aviation accident near Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom while taxiing. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Corrosion within the emergency brake accumulator had allowed nitrogen to enter the main hydraulic system. In the past, the aircraft had been parked in the open for a considerable time without servicing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a ferry flight, a parked aircraft's nosewheel steering failed, causing it to veer left and hit a parked Vickers 806 Viscount. Both pilots were uninjured; both aircraft were damaged beyond repair.
Incident Overview
An aircraft that had been parked at Southend Airport for an extended period without maintenance was being ferried to Biggin Hill. The ferry flight was prompted by hydraulic problems. During taxi, the nosewheel steering system failed, and the crew lost control. The aircraft veered to the left and collided with a parked British Air Ferries Vickers 806 Viscount, registered G-APIM.
Occupant Status
Both pilots escaped uninjured.
Aircraft Damage
Both aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, corrosion within the emergency brake accumulator had allowed nitrogen to enter the main hydraulic system. Additionally, the aircraft had been parked in the open for a considerable time without servicing.