Short S.23 Empire Flying Boat accident at Brindisi, Italy, 5 Dec 1937 (G-ADUZ)
On December 5, 1937, a Short S.23 Empire Flying Boat (registration G-ADUZ) operated by Imperial Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Brindisi, Italy during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong takeoff configuration on part of the flying crew who wrongly set up the flaps for takeoff, causing the aircraft to stall. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Wrong takeoff configuration on part of the flying crew who wrongly set up the flaps for takeoff, causing the aircraft to stall.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Shortly after takeoff from the harbor of Brindisi, the seaplane named 'Cygnus' stalled and crashed into the sea. Six people were injured while two other (a crew member and a passenger) were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): Wrong takeoff configuration on part of the flying crew who wrongly set up the flaps for takeoff, causing the aircraft to stall.