The BAC One-Eleven was a British short-range jet airliner developed by the British Aircraft Corporation. On October 22, 1963, during a test flight, the prototype aircraft experienced a fatal crash shortly after takeoff from Farnborough Airport in Hampshire, England. This incident resulted in the loss of all eight crew members on board, including test pilots and engineers who were integral to the aircraft's development. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft perform a series of maneuvers before it plummeted to the ground. The cause of the crash was investigated, and it was revealed that there were issues with the aircraft's control systems that had not been fully addressed prior to the flight.

This incident marked a significant moment in the history of British aviation, as the BAC One-Eleven was intended to enable more efficient air travel between smaller regional airports and major city destinations. Subsequently, the crash raised concerns regarding aircraft safety standards and the testing protocols used for new designs. In response, improvements were made in flight testing regulations which shaped future practices.

Despite this setback, the BAC One-Eleven line progressed to production, becoming one of the most successful British airliners of the 1960s and 1970s. Its operational advantages contributed significantly to commercial aviation, making short-distance flights more accessible and less costly. The aircraft became notable in various airlines around the world, paving the way for newer models while its early prototype crash served as a cautionary tale for future aviation developments.