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Avro 652 Anson accident at Hendon, United Kingdom, 9 Feb 1948 (TX168)

Hendon, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On February 9, 1948, an Avro 652 Anson (registration TX168) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Hendon, United Kingdom during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It appears that the crew completed the final approach with an engine voluntarily inoperative. Due to an insufficient approach speed, the aircraft stalled and crashed. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

It appears that the crew completed the final approach with an engine voluntarily inoperative. Due to an insufficient approach speed, the aircraft stalled and crashed. Following this accident, training flights with engine shut down will be prohibited at RAF Hendon and will be operated at RAF Bassingbourn.

— the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A) Determination

Accident narrative

On final approach to RAF Hendon, while performing a local training sortie, the aircraft stalled and hit several buildings located 1'100 yards short of the runway threshold. On impact, the aircraft nosed down and crashed on a trolleybus. Both pilots were killed while eight civilians seating in the trolleybus were seriously injured.

Probable cause (official findings): It appears that the crew completed the final approach with an engine voluntarily inoperative. Due to an insufficient approach speed, the aircraft stalled and crashed. Following this accident, training flights with engine shut down will be prohibited at RAF Hendon and will be operated at RAF Bassingbourn.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 1948 Avro 652 Anson accident near Hendon, United Kingdom?

On final approach to RAF Hendon, while performing a local training sortie, the aircraft stalled and hit several buildings located 1'100 yards short of the runway threshold. On impact, the aircraft nosed down and crashed on a trolleybus. Both pilots were killed while eight civilians seating in the trolleybus were…

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Feb 1948 Avro 652 Anson accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 1948 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration TX168, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Hendon, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It appears that the crew completed the final approach with an engine voluntarily inoperative. Due to an insufficient approach speed, the aircraft stalled and crashed. Following this accident, training flights with engine shut down will be prohibited at RAF Hendon and will be operated at RAF Bassingbourn.

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