HC Deb 06 April 1981 vol 2 cc192-3W
Mr. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the circumstances and dates from 1965 to date when Vulcan bombers have crashed, including casualties if any.

Mr. Pattie

Details of Royal Air Force Vulcan bombers which have crashed since 1965 to date, including casualties, are as follows:

Circumstances Date Casualties (K = Killed) (I = Injured)
Service Civilian
During asymmetrical approach for landing at RAF Scampton, the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway and crashed while attempting an overshoot, due to asymmetrical thrust and loss of control 25May 1965 Nil Nil
The aircraft flew into high ground during a low level navigational exercise and crashed 20 miles North-East of Swansea 11 Feb. 1966 5K Nil
The undercarriage collapsed on the ground during engine start up at Finningley 18 Feb. 1966 Nil Nil
The aircaft was destroyed by fire at RAF Scampton following an explosion in No. 1 engine at the start of the take-off run. Debris from the engine ruptured fuel tanks 6 Apr. 1967 Nil Nil
Circumstances Date Casualties (K = Killed) (I = Injured)
Service Civilian
A fire in No. 2 engine led to turbine disc separation. The disc entered the bomb bay, severely damaging flying controls. The aircraft was rendered uncontrollable and crashed at 30 Jan. 1968 4K Nil
RAF Cottesmore. Pilots ejected, but the rear crew were unable to escape
During climb out from a low-level exercise No. 1 engine exploded and port fire warning lights illuminated. Fire persisted, and the aircraft control became difficult. The aircraft was abandoned and crashed in County Durham 8 Jan. 1971 21 Nil
Port undercarriage failed to lower and the aircraft landed on a foam strip, but veered off the runway, tearing off starboard and nose undercarriage legs (at Shiraz, Iran) 23May 1973 Nil Nil
The aircraft undershot the runway during approach, struck ground and bounced back into the air with accompanying structural failure and fire. The pilot ejected, but rear crew unable to escape (at Luqa, Malta). The civilian casualties were on the airfield 14 Oct. 1975 5K 1K 31
Fire in the bomb bay area spread to the port wing. The pilot ordered abandonment. Aircraft crashed ten miles North-East of RAF Coningsby 17 Jan. 1977 1I Nil
The pilot lost control of the aircraft during a manoeuvre in practicing for display in USA 11 Aug. 1978 4K Nil

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