Originally Posted by chevvron
Seem to remember reports of a Vulcan crashing at Heathrow in about '54.
The second major tragedy at London Heathrow Airport happened on 1st October 1956, when the RAF’s first Avro Vulcan bomber, arriving from Australia, crashed on approach to the runway.
In 1956 it was decided to show off Britain's latest V-Bomber, the Vulcan, by sending one on a world tour. As AOC in C, Air Marshall Sir Harry Broadhurst took part as the co-pilot. After a successful tour the aircraft, XA897, ran into fog on it's return to Britain, but instead of diverting to a different airfield, the pilot elected to attempt a landing at Heathrow where the reception party was laid on. Unfamiliar with Heathrow which was not the large airfield it is today, the aircraft landed short ripping off it's undercarriage. The pilot and Broadhurst were able to eject but unfortunately the remaining four crew members perished in the ensuing crash