The RAF Vulcan Disaster That Shocked Britain

The Tragic Flight of Vulcan XA897 – Heathrow’s Deadly Disaster

On October 1, 1956, the Avro Vulcan XA897, the RAF’s most advanced jet bomber, was returning from its historic world tour when tragedy struck. Due to bad weather, an incorrect altimeter setting, and a critical approach misjudgment, the aircraft crashed short of Heathrow’s runway, resulting in the loss of four crew members.

This video tells the full story—from the Vulcan’s world tour to its doomed final approach, the heroic ejections, and the investigation that changed RAF aviation forever.

What Went Wrong?
The Avro Vulcan XA897 was completing the Tasman Flight, a record-breaking journey to Australia and New Zealand, showcasing Britain’s Cold War air power. But on the final approach to London Heathrow, deteriorating weather conditions, low visibility, and an altimeter setting error led to disaster.

🚨 Key Moments Covered in This Video:
✔️ The history and significance of the Vulcan bomber
✔️ The crew members, including Squadron Leader Donald Howard and Air Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst
✔️ The final moments before impact
✔️ The crash site and how the pilots ejected
✔️ The tragic fate of the rear crew
✔️ The RAF inquiry and safety changes that followed

The Aftermath & RAF Investigation
The crash led to major safety reforms in RAF procedures, including improved altitude correction factors, better GCA (Ground Controlled Approach) training, and enhanced ejection systems for future Vulcans.

Despite this tragedy, the Avro Vulcan remained a cornerstone of Britain’s nuclear deterrent for decades, proving itself in missions such as Operation Black Buck during the Falklands War.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments are always welcome and I try to respond to as many as possible.
Please keep the comments polite and respectful.
I reserve the right to remove any comments that breach these guidelines.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credits & Attributions
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
https://www.key.aero/article/delta-di...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956_Lo...