About us

The Air Crash Investigation & Archaeology (ACIA) group research and study the remains of crashed historical aircraft in northern England and southern Scotland. Our aim is to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives in these tragic accidents and to accurately document and investigate the cause.

Formed in 2001, ACIA is an amateur research group comprising several members who devote their spare time solving long forgotten mysteries of aviation. Recent licenced excavations have shed new light on the true cause accidents for which no reason was established by the investigating teams of the time.

We have an extensive archive of research material, consisting of accident reports, newspaper clippings, personnel records, photos and crash site survey reports. We are only too willing to assist fellow researchers and families of those involved in aircraft accidents in our region and welcome you to contact us if you have any enquiries.

Memorials

A list of memorials to those who have lost their lives in air accidents across the United Kingdom.

Latest News

August 2009 - Date set for Anson dig

Our planned excavation of Anson NK945 has been set for late September. The aircraft flew into a hilltop near Lauder in February 1945 and it has taken ACIA members Kenny Walker & Scott McIntosh many months to locate the site and gain permission to dig. Watch out for dig updates when they come.

August 2009 - Tempest surveyed near Wooler

The site of a Hawker Tempest, which crashed just after the end of WWII, has been surveyed on the outskirts of Wooler. Penned as a future dig the site was analysed by PhaseSI using their GeoPhys equipment which clearly outlined the crater in the field and also some potential targets outside the impact zone.

August 2009 - Beaufighter found in The Cheviot Hills

ACIA member Chris Davies has finally located the crash site of Beaufighter EL457, missing in a forest since the site was planted over in the 1960's. Although only a couple of tiny fragments were found, they are the first signs of the aircraft to have been found close to the reported crash site since the trees took hold. Further trips are planned to survey the site in more detail.

April 2009 - F-104 site surveyed

The crash site of Dutch F-104 D-8337 have been surveyed and filmed. The aircraft crashed in April 1983 during the NATO exercise 'Operation Mallet Blow'