2 fatalities

Mid-air collision involving training aircraft and RAF Spitfire in Bückeburg (PH597)

Bückeburg, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On July 6, 1950, an Avro 652 Anson (registration PH597) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Bückeburg, Germany during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A mid-air collision between a training aircraft and a Spitfire during the final approach phase. 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 mid-air collision between a twin-engine training aircraft and a vintage RAF Spitfire resulted in three fatalities during an approach in Bückeburg.

What happened

During a local training flight near Bückeburg, a mid-air collision occurred involving two aircraft. The incident took place while the crew of the twin-engine aircraft was performing maneuvers as part of a training mission. As the aircraft was on its final approach, it struck an RAF Spitfire, registration PM616.

The collision involved the pilot of the Spitfire and the crew of the training aircraft. Following the impact, both aircraft crashed in an area located short of the runway. The force of the crash resulted in the total destruction of both planes. There were three fatalities recorded as a result of the accident, involving all personnel on board the involved aircraft.

Findings

  • The collision occurred during the final approach phase of flight.
  • Both aircraft were destroyed upon impact with the ground.

Probable cause

A mid-air collision between a training aircraft and a Spitfire during the final approach phase.