39 fatalities

1961-08-09: Vickers Viking (G-AHPM) — Cunard Eagle Airways — Mt Holteheia, Norway

Mt Holteheia, NorwayFlight

On August 9, 1961, a Vickers Viking (registration G-AHPM) operated by Cunard Eagle Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Holteheia, Norway in flight. 39 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: For reasons unknown, the aircraft deviated from the prescribed flight path. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781245544Data APIEditorial standards

A charter flight carrying 34 British students and two teachers from London to Stavanger struck Mount Holteheia during descent, resulting in total destruction of the aircraft and no survivors.

Overview

A charter flight operating between London-Heathrow and Stavanger was carrying 34 British students between the ages of 13 and 16, along with two teachers, for a week-long educational trip to Norway. During the descent to Stavanger, the aircraft collided with the slope of Mount Holteheia, situated 54 kilometers northeast of the destination. The airplane was totally destroyed, and there were no survivors.

Crew

The flight was crewed by Captain Philip Guy Watts (pilot), First Officer Reginald Leonard Murray Smaley (copilot), and Stewardess Susan Elizabeth Endicott.

Passengers

The passenger list included teachers John Beacham and George William Budd, and the following students: John Adams, Gregory Allen, Michael Benson, Peter Boyes, John Bradbury, Geoffrey Brown, Reginald Chapple, Trevor Condell, Geoffrey Crouch, Clifford Gaskin, Edward Gilder, Derek Goddard, David Gore, Geoffrey Green, Quentin Green, Anthony Harrison, David Hatchard, David Hendley, Peter Huggins, Richard Lawrence, Alan Lee, Robert Martin, Brian Robert Mitchell, Edwin Murray, John Phelps, Edward Prosper, Robert Roffey, Lawrence Sims, Colin Smith, Peter Stacey, Roger Taylor, John Wells, Martin White, and Roger White.

Accident

The accident occurred while the aircraft was descending toward Stavanger. The airplane struck the slope of Mount Holteheia, about 54 kilometers northeast of Stavanger. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. No survivors were found.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause: for reasons unknown, the aircraft deviated from the prescribed flight path.