Date:	Monday 8 April 1963
Time:
Type:	Vickers 806 Viscount
Owner/operator:	British European Airways - BEA
Registration:	G-AOYS
MSN:	267
Year of manufacture:	1958
Engine model:	Rolls-Royce Dart 520
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 44
Aircraft damage:	Substantial, repaired
Category:	Accident
Location:	near Palermo -   Italy
Phase:	En route
Nature:	Passenger - Scheduled
Departure airport:	Malta-Luqa Airport (MLA/LMML)
Destination airport:	Roma (unknown airport)
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
En route between Malta and Rome, when cruising at 20,000 ft. with all engine indications normal, the fire warning bell and light for No. 1 engine operated. The appropriate fire drill was carried out and attempts were made to feather the propeller, using both normal and emergency drills. The propeller continued to turn however, and a fierce fire in the engine could be seen through the top cowling. It was then decided to divert to Palermo which was some 70 miles to the South. Preparations were made in case ditching became necessary but, the fire extinguisher was operated, and speed reduced. Subsequently, at about 6,000 ft., the fire appeared to die out and the propeller feathered itself. The aircraft landed safely at Palermo. It was later established that the engine fire had followed failure of the rear bearing of the second stage compressor, and also that the propeller had not feathered when the appropriate action was taken because the feathering controls had suffered damage.

Survey of accidents to aircraft in the United Kingdom 1963 / CAA

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