What happened
On the afternoon of the accident, the Vickers Viscount, registration G-AMOL, departed from Ronaldsway bound for Liverpool. While operating at flight level 70, the aircraft was tracked by Liverpool radar over Wallasey as it prepared for a continuous descent radar approach toward runway 26.
As the aircraft neared the runway threshold, radar data indicated it was positioned slightly to the right of the centerline. During the final stages of the approach, approximately 550 metres from the threshold, the plane was estimated to be at an altitude between 30 and 60 metres. At this stage, observers noted the aircraft began a significant bank to the right. The maneuver involved a steep angle, with the aircraft appearing almost vertical during part of the turn.
While heading in a direction roughly opposite to the runway's orientation, the aircraft rolled onto its back. It struck the roof of a factory located approximately 365 metres to the right of the extended centerline. Upon impact with the building, the plane hit a heavy steel girder, which forced the aircraft into a tail-over-nose position. The wreckage eventually settled upright on the workshop floor, with the tail section resting against the roof trusses. A massive fire erupted following the collision, destroying much of the fuselage.
Findings
The accident resulted in four fatalities, including both members of the flight crew and two factory workers. The investigation concluded that the aircraft lost control during the final phase of its landing approach, though the specific reason for this loss of control remained undetermined.