I AM currently researching information regarding an aircraft accident concerning a Bristol 170 Freighter G-AICS, owned by Silver City Airways, which crashed on Winter Hill near Bolton on February 27, 1958, with the loss of 35 lives.

The aircraft, operated by Manx Airlines, was bringing members of the Isle Of Man motor trade on a visit to the Exide Battery works at Clifton Junction, from Ronaldsway to Manchester Airport.

The aircraft crashed because of an error attributed to the First Officer, W Howarth, who accidentally tuned the aircraft's radio compass to Oldham beacon instead of Wigan beacon, causing G-AICS to fly further North than the intended route into high ground, in thick cloud cover.

I am trying to trace anybody who either participated in the rescue attempts to reach the survivors, or who remembers the accident. Even people who visited the crash scene in the following days.

I would be especially glad to hear from any members of the Emergency services who attended the tragic scene or from any relatives of anybody who was concerned with the above.

Any information your readers could provide would be gratefully received.

Paul William Lomax

15, Ellesmere Street

Deane

Bolton

BL2 2DP

Tel: 01204 528458