Crash of a De Havilland DH.4A in Cricklewood

Date & Time: Apr 7, 1921
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
G-EAVL
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cricklewood - Paris
MSN:
H5905
YOM:
1920
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Cricklewood Aerodrome, while on a regular schedule flight to Paris-Le Bourget, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances. Both occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Crash of a Handley Page H.P.12 in Cricklewood: 4 killed

Date & Time: Dec 14, 1920 at 1215 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
G-EAMA
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cricklewood - Paris
MSN:
HP.25
YOM:
1919
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Cricklewood Airport in misty weather, the aircraft was seen flying low and then crashed into a tree, falling into a back garden of a house in Golders Green (No. 6 Basing Hill) close to the airfield. Four passengers jumped or were thrown clear before the aircraft burst into flames. Both crew members and two remaining passengers were killed in the fire. Of the survivors, two were unhurt and the other two only slightly injured. Locals rushed to help but due to the intense heat, the rescue efforts were futile. The Hendon Fire Brigade extinguished the fire and removed the bodies. The aircraft was destroyed and the newly built house was badly damaged.
Crew:
Maj R. W. Bager, pilot,
J. H. Williams, mechanic.
Probable cause:
The crash was caused by an error of judgement on part of the pilot who "needlessly" proceeded to take off towards a hill, the presence of which created a source of danger when considering the prevailing conditions and the aircraft’s low climb rate.

Crash of a Handley Page V/1500 in Cricklewood: 5 killed

Date & Time: Jun 8, 1918
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
E4104
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cricklewood - Cricklewood
YOM:
1918
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
Assembled at Cricklewood Airfield in May 1918, the aircraft departed Cricklewood for its 13th test flight, carrying six crew members. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to a height of about 700-800 feet, all four engines stopped. The pilot elected to return for an emergency landing when the aircraft stalled and crashed in a field located in front of 21 Garrick Avenue in Golders Green, bursting into flames. Colonel Ogilvie, who was seating in the tail gunner position at the back of the plane, survived, while all five other occupants were killed.
Crew:
Cpt Vernon Earl George Busby, pilot, †
Mr. Bertram G. Cooper, †
Mr. R. P. Cooper, †
Mr. W. H. Hathaway, †
Mr. J. W. Windebank, †
Colonel Ogilvie.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty because of the total destruction of the aircraft. Nevertheless, it is believed that the accident was the probable consequence of a fuel starvation according to the testimony got from the only survivor.