Zone

Crash of a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo in Rochester: 3 killed

Date & Time: Nov 20, 1985 at 1848 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
G-BHIZ
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Paris – Southend – Rochester
MSN:
31-672
YOM:
1970
Location:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
5525
Captain / Total hours on type:
3000.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft was returning to Rochester after an overnight business trip to Paris. It landed at Southend Airport at 1815 hours where HM customs clearance was obtained. The aircraft left Southend at 1831 hours for the 14 mile flight to Rochester. It was dark with snow, frost and fog warnings in force. The stratus cloud base at Rochester was estimated to be 600 feet and visibility was estimated to be 2,000 meters in rain and snow. Having established RTF communications with Rochester AFIS the aircraft was seen in the downwind position for runway 03 left hand at a height of 3-400 feet. This visual contact was confirmed at the pilot's request. The aircraft was next seen overhead the airfield at a similar height. When the pilot again reported 'downwind' he said that if he was not happy with his approach he might attempt an approach to the reciprocal runway 21. Eye witnesses in the village of Burham, which lies 1.5 nautical miles southwest of the airfield, saw the aircraft making a left handed approach over the River Medway valley at low level. It then headed over the centre of Burham towards the airfield and shortly afterwards crashed into the steep upper slopes of Blue Bell Hill some 45 feet below the ridge summit of 510 feet. The elevation of Rochester aerodrome is 436 feet. A severe fire followed the impact and the three occupants were killed.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680 in Rochester

Date & Time: Feb 19, 1975 at 0932 LT
Operator:
Registration:
G-ASHI
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Rochester - Woodford
MSN:
680-658-255
YOM:
1958
Location:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
8237
Captain / Total hours on type:
509.00
Aircraft flight hours:
3615
Circumstances:
After takeoff from runway 03 at Rochester City Airport, while climbing to a height of 900 feet, the left engine gradually lost power. The pilot increased power on the right engine and feathered the left propeller. After passing over the M2 highway at a speed of 100 knots, he expected to return to the airfield when the right engine lost power as well. He attempted an emergency landing by the motorway and the airplane crash landed at a speed of 85 knots before coming to rest. All four occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The accident was caused by kerosene being placed in a petrol supply at Rochester City Airport. The aircraft, which had been refuelled with the mixed product from the supply, suffered a loss of engine power after takeoff. Thus led to a forced landing in difficult circumstances on unsuitable terrain. The loss of engine power resulted from damage to the engines due to their being run on contaminated fuel.
Final Report:

Crash of a Short S.29 Stirling I in Rochester

Date & Time: May 14, 1939
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
L7600
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Rochester - Rochester
MSN:
01
YOM:
1939
Location:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was performing a local test flight on this first S.29 prototype. Following a smooth mission, the crew was returning to Rochester Airport. Upon landing, the undercarriage failed and the aircraft came to rest on its belly. All four occupants escaped uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Upon landing one of the brakes locked, causing it to slew off the runway and collapse the landing gear. A redesign added much stronger and heavier struts on the second prototype.

Crash of an Avro 504N in Rochester

Date & Time: Jul 14, 1938
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
K2411
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Rochester - Rochester
MSN:
K2411
Location:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was performing a local training flight our from Rochester Airport. The pilot landed hard and the aircraft veered off runway before coming to rest. Both occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.