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Training Sortie Ends in Field Landing After Engine Failure (VM359)

Cranfield, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On July 12, 1958, an Avro 652 Anson (registration VM359) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Cranfield, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the fuel transfer switch was OFF and the fuel tanks were near empty at the time of the accident. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, an aircraft lost engine power and attempted an emergency landing in a field near RAF Cranfield. All four crew members were uninjured, but the aircraft was written off due to fuel issues.

Incident Overview and Emergency Response During a training sortie, the flight crew reported to air traffic control that they had lost an engine. The crew received permission to divert to RAF Cranfield for an emergency landing. Shortly after this communication, the left engine lost power. The captain assessed the situation and determined that the aircraft could not reach the airbase. Consequently, the decision was made to attempt an emergency landing in a field located 1.5 miles short of the runway. The aircraft slid for several yards before coming to rest. All four crew members on board were uninjured, but the aircraft was written off.

Probable cause

It was determined that the fuel transfer switch was OFF and the fuel tanks were near empty at the time of the accident.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jul 1958 Avro 652 Anson accident near Cranfield, United Kingdom?

During a training flight, an aircraft lost engine power and attempted an emergency landing in a field near RAF Cranfield. All four crew members were uninjured, but the aircraft was written off due to fuel issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Jul 1958 Avro 652 Anson accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jul 1958 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration VM359, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Cranfield, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It was determined that the fuel transfer switch was OFF and the fuel tanks were near empty at the time of the accident.

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