No fatalities

Engine failure leads to training flight crash in Thornhill (VS495)

Thornhill, ZimbabweLanding (descent or approach)

On July 4, 1950, an Avro 652 Anson (registration VS495) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Thornhill, Zimbabwe during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed during the final approach, causing the aircraft to stall and crash. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight near Thornhill resulted in an aircraft crash following an engine malfunction during the final approach phase.

What happened

During a local training mission conducted in the vicinity of Thornhill, an aircraft experienced a critical mechanical issue while maneuvering for landing. As the crew was executing the final approach to the runway, one of the engines ceased functioning properly.

This loss of power caused the aircraft to enter a stall condition. Consequently, the plane descended rapidly and struck the ground before reaching the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. Both members of the flight crew sustained injuries during the accident.

Findings

Official investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor leading to the loss of control was an engine failure occurring during the approach phase.

Probable cause

The engine failed during the final approach, causing the aircraft to stall and crash.