Narrative:The Fokker F.XII, G-ADZI, was sold via shady deals involving a Polish arms dealer to the Spanish nationalists in the Spanish Civil War, with G-ADZI having its registration cancelled on 2.9.36 due to "Change of Ownership of Aircraft".
On 15 August 1936, the aircraft, along with three other Fokker aircraft, departed Croydon Airport, flown by Polish pilots. The official destination was Katowice, however the aircraft were turned towards Spain to deliver the aircraft to the Spanish Nationalists Air Force (Aviación Nacional).
On approach to Biarritz-Parme Airport, crew encountered an unknown situation and decided to make a go around. While trying to climb, the three engine aircraft stalled and crashed in flames in an open field. Both crew were killed and the aircraft was destroyed by post crash fire. It is not clear if the crew was attempting a first, a second or a third approach when the accident occurred. It is also possible that the aircraft was hit by lightning as the weather conditions were marginal at the time of the accident.
Sources:
»
A list of fatal accidents to British aircraft overseas 1930 - 2 Sep 1939»
G-ADZI Certificate of Registration»
Advocate (18 Aug. 1936)»
https://ebin.pub/arms-for-spain-untold-story-of-spanish-civil-war.html
Photos
accident date:
15-08-1936type: Fokker F.XII
registration: PH-AFU
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from London-Croydon Airport to Biarritz Parme Airport as the crow flies is 876 km (548 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.