24th August 1934
Plane is washed into the sea during Jersey take-off
Before the current airport was built, planes serving Jersey landed and took off from the beaches. Thus, seven passengers on a Jersey Airways plane heading for Heston Aerodrome in London were saved by bathers when the aircraft was caught by the rising tide at West Park Beach.
When a particularly ferocious wave swept across one of the wings, it caused the engine to fail. Thus, with nothing to counterbalance it, the other engine swung the plane around, and powered it straight into the sea.
Fortunately, nobody was hurt on this occasion, but several passengers had to be carried ashore. A second aviation incident the very next day had a rather more serious outcome.
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Other events that occured in August
Man held on St Helier stabbing charge
- A man who was convicted of manslaughter in Jersey was later found hanged in his cell.
- Read more…
The wreckage of the Cloud of Iona is found
- Jersey Airways’ plane, The Cloud of Iona, disappeared between Guernsey and Jersey on the night of 31 July 1936.
- Read more…
Work begins on St Helier harbour
- Until work began on St Helier Harbour, visitors arriving on the packet steamer had to come ashore in small boats when the tide was out.
- Read more…
Jersey swimmers set round-Guernsey record
- Six swimmers from Jersey set a record when they swam around Guernsey in eight hours and 56 minutes in August 2003.
- Read more…