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Registration
or Serial:
G-ACYK
Operator:
Northern and Scottish Airways
Operating Base: Glasgow (Renfrew) Airport (Original Name:
Moorpark Aerodrome) (X6GR)
Base
Location: Renfrew, near Glasgow.
Current
Airport Status: Extinct; closed 1 May 1966; now, overbuilt with
housing and motorway.
(Principal airport data courtesy of
John Woodside,
A
Catalogue of UK Airfields)
Aircraft Type & Background
The
Spartan Cruiser Mk III, 8-seater (6 passengers and 2 crew) monoplane
was powered by three 130hp de Havilland Gypsy Major engines.
Several of
these small civilian aircraft were operated
by Northern and Scottish Airways—later
incorporated within British Airways Limited (known originally
as Allied British Airways, but later renamed British
Airways; not, however, the same as the present day airline of
that name). This British Airways merged later with Imperial Airways
to become British Overseas Airways Corporation (B.O.A.C). The
present day company known as British Airways resulted from a
merger in 1973 of B.O.A.C. and B.E.A.
While a
subsidiary company of British Airways Limited, this Northern
and Scottish aircraft operated under the name Northern Scottish Air Taxi.
Founded on
31 November 1934, Northern and Scottish Airways was
later to become a member of the Whitehall Securities group.
Whitehall Securities held major investments in companies such as
Saunders-Roe, the aircraft manufacturer.
In
addition to its Glasgow (Renfrew) to Campbeltown and Islay route,
Northern and Scottish operated for a short time on a route from
Glasgow (Renfrew) Airport to Hall Caine aerodrome on the Isle of
Man.
Aircraft Accident Details
The
particular aircraft featured here was one of a small fleet based at the former Glasgow
Renfrew Airport. At the time of the accident, it was en route with a cargo of cinema films from
Renfrew to Campbeltown. However, due to
deteriorating weather conditions, the pilot—Captain
McGeevor—decided
to return to Renfrew.
Unfortunately, and due to a malfunctioning altimeter, Captain
McGeevor was led to believe that he had gained sufficient height to
clear the Largs hills, before beginning his descent into Renfrew
Airport. In
fact, the plane was flying too low to clear the hills safely.
Consequently, the Spartan struck Hill of Stake—the
highest peak in this area. The two occupants of the plane, however,
escaped without significant injury. After their amazing escape,
Captain McGeevor and the wireless operator made their way across the rugged moors to
Largs—a
distance of about 5 miles—where
they sought assistance.
Although
crashing originally on higher ground, the fuselage was to be
found later at the SW base of Hill of Stake, close to the South Grane Burn (NE of Greeto Water).
The front section of the aircraft fuselage was constructed of
aluminium (aluminum) alloy, and the rear section was constructed of
fabric-covered steel tubing. The wings were made of wood.
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Accident Date
14 January 1938
Accident
Site
Hill of Stake
Region: North Ayrshire / Renfrewshire boundary
Nearest
town or village:
Greenock, Largs
or
Lochwinnoch
Although crashing at Hill of Stake on the North Ayrshire /
Renfrewshire hills c.4.5 miles (c.7.5 km) NE of Largs,
the aircraft fuselage was to be found later at the SW base of the
hill, lying at the South Grane Burn (a small river that flows into Greeto Water). It was
airlifted and recovered from this site in 1973.
OS Grid Ref:
63 / NS 268629
Hill Walking
Notes
[Accident
location only. No remains.]
Easily
accessible low rising moorland / hill slopes with some rough
or boggy ground in places. Avoid area of dense gorse /
bracken between Burnt Hill and Hill of Stake.
Full hill
walking equipment recommended, including map & compass (GPS
optional). All hill areas subject to fluctuating weather
conditions with extensive mist at times.
Present Condition
The almost-intact fuselage (latterly, without wings or engine),
remained at this site from 1938 until 1973. At this time, the
fuselage shell was airlifted by a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter to
the nearest suitable road. It was then transported by road to the
National Museum
of Flight at East Fortune, near Edinburgh.
Below: A Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from HMS
Gannet (Prestwick). This helicopter is similar to the one
assigned to recover the Spartan Cruiser.
Photo: 2007 G. Lyons
Original plans to
restore the Spartan Cruiser for Museum display have not been
realised, and there are now no plans to carry out restoration work.
The fuselage shell, however, is now on display at the National Museum of Flight, in North Berwick (see link
below).
Related Links
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