12th April 1954

A plane hit a car while landing at Guernsey Airport

A Guernsey driver had a lucky escape in 1954 when an incoming aircraft hit the roof of his car.

Frank Le Fevre, of St Saviours, was driving along one of the roads that bordered the airport property when the wheels of the plane, which was landing at the time, collided with him.

Unknown location

News reports of the time don’t mention which road he was on. However, depending on the direction of the wind, it’s fair to assume it was either La Villaize Road or Route de Plaisance as they pass either end of the runway. The former is by far the more likely. Route de Plaisance is further from the end of the current landing strip, and the runway, which was grass at the time of the collision, was shorter than it is now.

The plane was a de Havilland Rapide, operated by British European Airways, under the control of Captain P Loat. He had six passengers onboard at the time, none of whom were injured.

Damaged car and plane

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for either the plane itself or Mr Le Fevre’s car. The aircraft was slightly damaged underneath, and the car suffered a dented roof and smashed windscreen. Mr Le Fevre suffered cuts to his head as a result.

British European Airways no longer exists. It merged with BOAC, the British Overseas Aiways Corporation, on 31 March 1974. The combined group is now British Airways.