Narrative:Fairflight Shorts 330 G-BHWT had a history of hydraulic problems and was prepared for a flight to Biggin Hill for maintenance. The aircraft was taxiing to the runway when suddenly the nosegear steering failed. The aircraft entered an uncommanded left turn and collided with a stationary Vickers Viscount aircraft (G-APIM).
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: Corrosion within the emergency brake accumulator had allowed nitrogen to enter the main hydraulic system. In the past, the aircraft had been parked in the open for a considerable time without servicing.
Classification:
Hydraulic system problem
Runway incursion
Damaged on the ground
Sources:
» ICAO Adrep Summary 3/88 (#19)
Photos

accident date:
11-01-1988type: Shorts 330-200
registration: N333MV
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 Southend Municipal Airport to London-Biggin Hill Airport as the crow flies is 53 km (33 miles).
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.