No fatalities

1968-05-04: Vickers Viscount (G-APPU) — Channel Airways — Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom

Southend-on-Sea, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On May 4, 1968, a Vickers Viscount (registration G-APPU) operated by Channel Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused through landing at a too high speed for the landing distance available. A contributory factor was reduced braking effectiveness due to the main wheel being mechanically locked by the application of the hand-brake. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781238811Data APIEditorial standards

After landing at too high speed on a wet runway, the aircraft lost control, veered right, went down an embankment, and broke apart. All 83 occupants evacuated safely, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Details

The flight crew completed the landing procedure on a wet runway 06 at an excessive speed. Following touchdown, the captain initiated braking but believed that aquaplaning had occurred when control was lost.

Sequence of Events

The airplane veered to the right and departed the runway, descending an embankment before coming to rest. The aircraft broke into several pieces during the sequence.

Damage and Evacuation

The aircraft was destroyed. All 83 occupants were evacuated safely, with no fatalities or injuries reported in the official findings.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by landing at too high a speed for the landing distance available. A contributory factor was reduced braking effectiveness due to the main wheel being mechanically locked by application of the hand-brake.