Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 301

Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 301 was a scheduled passenger flight from Honolulu, Hawaii to Nadi, Fiji. On 22 July 1962, it was being operated by a Bristol Britannia 314 four-engine turboprop airliner of Canadian Pacific Air Lines, registered CF-CZB.[1] On departure from Honolulu International Airport, the aircraft had engine problems; while attempting a subsequent return and landing on three engines, the crew initiated a go-around that resulted in the plane crashing on the airfield, killing 27 of the 40 on board.[1][2] It was the worst civil air carrier accident in Hawaii's history.[3]

Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 301
A Bristol Britannia similar to the accident aircraft
Accident
Date22 July 1962
SummaryCrashed after a failed go-around on approach
SiteHonolulu International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Aircraft
Aircraft typeBristol Britannia 314
Aircraft nameEmpress of Lima
OperatorCanadian Pacific Air Lines
RegistrationCF-CZB
Flight originHonolulu International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
DestinationNadi International Airport, Fiji
Occupants40
Passengers29
Crew11
Fatalities27
Injuries13
Survivors13

Accident

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Shortly after take-off from Honolulu, the crew received an engine fire warning for the number one engine, which they feathered. They then jettisoned fuel before returning to Honolulu 40 minutes later.[1] Their three-engined approach appeared to be normal, but at the last minute the crew decided to go around and attempt another approach.[1]

The aircraft then banked and veered to the left, and the left wing tip hit the ground about 550' from the center of the runway.[1] The aircraft disintegrated as it moved across the airfield before hitting some heavy earth-moving equipment.[1] Apart from the rear fuselage and tail, the aircraft was destroyed by fire. Thirteen on board escaped, but 7 crew and 20 passengers were killed.[1]

Aircraft

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The aircraft, a Bristol Britannia 314 four-engined turboprop, was built in the United Kingdom, and first flew on 14 April 1958.[4] It was delivered new to Canadian Pacific Air Lines on 29 April 1958, and was originally named Empress of Vancouver (later renamed Empress of Lima).[4]

Probable cause

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The accident investigation board concluded the probable cause of the accident was "the attempted three-engine go-around, when the aircraft was in a full landing configuration, at insufficient airspeed and altitude to maintain control."[1]

References

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Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Civil Aviation Authority 1974, p. 18/62
  2. ^ "Air Crash Kills 27 at Honolulu". The New York Times. 24 July 1962. p. 1. (subscription required)
  3. ^ "Honolulu International Airport, 1960s". Hawaiian Aviation. State of Hawaii. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  4. ^ a b Eastwood 1991, p. 73
Bibliography
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21°19′13″N 157°54′53″W / 21.3202°N 157.9147°W / 21.3202; -157.9147