On January 28, 1953, a Short S.25 Sunderland (registration G-AGKY) operated by Aquila Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Calshot AFB, United Kingdom during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was due to an error of airmanship by the captain in that he did not ascertain the crosswind component and in consequence attempted to take off under conditions with which he could not contend. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A seaplane aborted its nighttime takeoff from Southampton on the Solent, became unstable, and sank. All 31 occupants were rescued uninjured. Investigation cited crosswind error.
Accident Details
The takeoff was attempted by night from Southampton on the Solent. During the takeoff roll, the seaplane became unstable, and the captain was unable to maintain the aircraft on the correct course. As a result, he decided to abandon the takeoff procedure. A float on the left wing struck the water surface, causing the left wing to submerge to the outer engine.
Rescue and Damage
All 31 occupants were quickly rescued and were uninjured. The aircraft subsequently sank.
Investigation Findings
Probable cause (official findings): The accident was due to an error of airmanship by the captain in that he did not ascertain the crosswind component and in consequence attempted to take off under conditions with which he could not contend. The following factors were considered as contributory: - The control officer misinformed the captain of the relationship between the wind and the flare path at the time of takeoff, - The sudden deterioration of the weather conditions during the takeoff procedure.