Northolt – Glasgow

On December 19, 1946 at 12:00 AM, Northolt – Glasgow experienced a crash involving Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), operated by Railway Air Services, with the event recorded near Northolt AFB London Metropolis.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a city crash site.

5 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 5 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 4, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 1, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The airport of Northolt was closed for arrivals for few hours and only few departures were allowed. After as long waiting time, the crew of G-AGZA received the permission to takeoff bound for Glasgow. The pilot increased power on both engines, started the takeoff procedure and completed the rotation at a speed of 85 knots. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered serious difficulties to gain height and was in a constant stall attitude. Then, it hit a house located in Ruislip, north of the airfield, and came to rest on its roof. Fortunately, the aircraft did not caught fire and the cabin remained quite intact. All five occupants were injured, the captain seriously. Into the damaged house, a fourth months baby was miraculously found unhurt.

Aircraft reference details include registration G-AGZA, MSN 12455, year of manufacture 1944.