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Engine Failure and Fire During Takeoff from London-Heathrow (G-AWXI)

London-Heathrow, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On January 22, 1970, a Vickers Viscount (registration G-AWXI) operated by British Midland International - BMI was involved in an aviation accident near London-Heathrow, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the failure of engine 4 could not be determined. The crew was unable to feather its propeller that was windmilling, causing drag. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from London-Heathrow, engine 4 failed and caught fire. The crew declared an emergency and landed. All 42 occupants evacuated with no casualties.

Incident

Aircraft departed from runway 28R at London-Heathrow Airport. While climbing through 1,000 feet, engine number 4 failed and caught fire. The flight crew declared an emergency and received clearance for an immediate return to the same runway. For reasons not determined, the crew could not feather the propeller. The airplane executed a normal approach and landed, coming to a stop in flames after traveling several hundred yards.

Evacuation

All 42 occupants evacuated the aircraft quickly. No casualties were reported. The fire brigade extinguished the flames, but the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The exact cause of the failure of engine 4 could not be determined. The crew was unable to feather its propeller, which continued windmilling and created drag. Additionally, a fuel line near engine 4 failed, and the released fuel ignited upon contact with high-temperature engine components.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jan 1970 Vickers Viscount accident near London-Heathrow, United Kingdom?

Shortly after takeoff from London-Heathrow, engine 4 failed and caught fire. The crew declared an emergency and landed. All 42 occupants evacuated with no casualties.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jan 1970 Vickers Viscount accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jan 1970 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration G-AWXI, operated by British Midland International - BMI, at London-Heathrow, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the failure of engine 4 could not be determined. The crew was unable to feather its propeller that was windmilling, causing drag. However, it was reported that a fuel line located near engine 4 failed, causing the fuel to ignite while in contact with high-temperature components of the engine.

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