Biggin Hill Airfield (Accidents)

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Aviation – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 July 1961.

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Photo of Mr Donald Sumner Mr Donald Sumner , Orpington 12:00, 17 July 1961

asked the Minister of Aviation how many accidents there have been to civil aircraft using Biggin Hill airfield; and whether he will make a statement.

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Rippon Mr Geoffrey Rippon , Norwich South

Since February, 1959, when this airfield was opened to civil aircraft, eleven accidents have been notified. Eight of these occurred on the airfield itself and were not serious. All but one involved light aircraft. Of the serious accidents, a report on one will be published shortly, and the recent accident is under investigation. In the third case, the pilot flew unexpectedly into fog. No pattern emerges from these accidents calling for any special action.

Photo of Mr Donald Sumner Mr Donald Sumner , Orpington

One's sympathies go out first and foremost to the relatives of those who have been killed flying these aircraft. Will my hon. Friend say whether he is satisfied that everything possible is done to reduce danger to lives and property of residents in what is a very highly populated district?

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Rippon Mr Geoffrey Rippon , Norwich South

I appreciate the concern caused by these accidents. As I said, they do not follow any particular pattern, and there is nothing to suggest that the airfield or its facilities are in any way inadequate.