Shalcombe Flying Boat crash - Nov 1957

From Wightpedia

On 15th November 1957 a Solent class Flying-Boat operated by Aquila Airways on a flight from Southampton to Las Palmas and Madeira via Lisbon crashed into a chalk pit at Shalcombe Farm near Chessell, Isle of Wight.

Shortly after taking off from Southampton Water, the aircraft reported problems No. 4 engine and said they were returning.

Of the 58 passengers and crew aboard, 45 people died[1].

Air Crash memorial tree and stone in chalk pit
Memorial tree and stone in chalk pit

The memorial stone reads:

IN MEMORY OF THE
45 PASSENGERS
AND CREW WHO LOST
THEIR LIVES IN THIS
PLACE. VICTIMS OF
THE FLYING BOAT
CRASH OF 15.11.1957
  1. Isle of Wight County Press 23 November 1957