Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:07:50-4:08:29

Why sister carriers can have different accident records

Eagle's better accident record than Ark Royal's is attributed to chance rather than an identified design advantage.

Fleet CarriersNaval AviationNaval SafetyRoyal Navy
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Why did HMS Eagle have fewer carrier crashes than HMS Ark Royal?

Short answer

Primarily luck. Many factors affected carrier aircraft accidents, and no design difference is identified that explains the two ships' records.

Notes

Eagle's lower crash total is attributed primarily to luck. Carrier aircraft accidents involved many factors, and mature carrier design does not supply a clear technical explanation for the difference from Ark Royal. No specific design feature is identified that would account for Eagle's better record.