On January 3, 1943, an Airspeed AS.10 Oxford (registration V3888) operated by Air Transport Auxiliary was involved in an aviation accident near Cambridge, United Kingdom during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure occurred shortly after takeoff during the initial climb phase. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine aircraft crashed into a house shortly after taking off from Cambridge Airport at night following an engine failure, resulting in the death of the pilot.
What happened
The incident occurred during a night takeoff from Cambridge Airport. As the aircraft was in its initial climb phase, one of the engines failed. The pilot attempted to execute an emergency landing to mitigate the situation. Despite these efforts, the aircraft struck a tree and subsequently crashed onto a residential house. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot. There were no reported casualties among people on the ground.
Findings
The official investigation identified engine failure after takeoff as the primary cause of the accident. No other contributing factors or mechanical issues beyond the immediate engine malfunction were detailed in the provided source material.
Probable cause
Engine failure occurred shortly after takeoff during the initial climb phase.
What happened in the 3 Jan 1943 Airspeed AS.10 Oxford accident near Cambridge, United Kingdom?
A single-engine aircraft crashed into a house shortly after taking off from Cambridge Airport at night following an engine failure, resulting in the death of the pilot.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jan 1943 Airspeed AS.10 Oxford accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Jan 1943 involved an Airspeed AS.10 Oxford, registration V3888, operated by Air Transport Auxiliary, at Cambridge, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Engine failure occurred shortly after takeoff during the initial climb phase.
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