What happened
During a routine training exercise departing from RAF Swanton Morley, two twin-engine aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force were involved in a mid-air collision. The incident occurred while both machines were airborne, with specific operational details regarding the exact moment of impact remaining unknown.
The first aircraft was an Oxford, and it collided with a second RAF Oxford registered V4137. Both aircraft were carrying crews of two personnel each. Following the impact in mid-air, structural integrity was compromised, causing both planes to lose control and descend rapidly toward the ground. The collision resulted in the total destruction of both airframes upon impact.
All four individuals on board the two aircraft lost their lives in the accident. The fatalities included the pilot and co-pilot from each machine. No survivors were reported from either aircraft.