No fatalities

RAF Driffield Gunship Crash Due to Engine Failure (BM821)

Driffield AFB, United KingdomTakeoff (climb)

On August 10, 1942, an Airspeed AS.10 Oxford (registration BM821) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Driffield AFB, United Kingdom during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine just after liftoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A military aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from RAF Driffield when its starboard engine failed at low altitude, resulting in injuries to all three crew members.

What happened

The incident occurred during a gunnery training sortie departing from RAF Driffield. Immediately following liftoff, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure. At a height of approximately 12 feet, the starboard engine ceased functioning. The loss of power caused the airplane to lose altitude rapidly. The crew attempted a crash landing, and the aircraft eventually came to rest on the ground. All three individuals aboard sustained injuries in the event.

Findings

The official investigation identified the immediate cause of the accident as the failure of the right engine just after liftoff. This mechanical malfunction occurred at a critical stage of flight where recovery options were limited due to the low altitude.

Probable cause

Failure of the right engine just after liftoff.