On November 20, 1939, an Airspeed AS.10 Oxford (registration G-AFFM) operated by British Airways (1935) was involved in an aviation accident near Gosport, United Kingdom in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control resulting from an in-flight collision with a barrage balloon. 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.
A twin-engine aircraft departed Heston for a training flight but collided with barrage balloon moorings over Gosport, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.
What happened
The incident involved a twin-engine aircraft operating out of Heston. The crew was conducting a routine training exercise when the aircraft reached the cruising phase over the area near Gosport. During this segment of the flight, the airframe made contact with the mooring lines of a barrage balloon. This impact caused the aircraft to lose aerodynamic control immediately. Unable to recover, the plane descended rapidly and impacted the ground in a significant explosion. Both individuals on board were killed in the crash.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident was triggered by an in-flight collision with a barrage balloon. The primary contributing factor was the loss of control sustained following this impact, which made it impossible for the crew to maintain flight stability or avoid the ground.
Probable cause
Loss of control resulting from an in-flight collision with a barrage balloon.
What happened in the 20 Nov 1939 Airspeed AS.10 Oxford accident near Gosport, United Kingdom?
A twin-engine aircraft departed Heston for a training flight but collided with barrage balloon moorings over Gosport, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Nov 1939 Airspeed AS.10 Oxford accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Nov 1939 involved an Airspeed AS.10 Oxford, registration G-AFFM, operated by British Airways (1935), at Gosport, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of control resulting from an in-flight collision with a barrage balloon.
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