No fatalities

Training Flight Misaligned on Approach Results in Crash at RAF Roborough (VM308)

Roborough AFB, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On April 24, 1959, an Avro 652 Anson (registration VM308) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Roborough AFB, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the flying crew. 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

During a training mission approach to RAF Roborough in marginal weather, a 20° heading error led to a last-second correction and collision with a boundary fence. Both pilots sustained minor injuries and the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

A training flight operating from RAF Debden was completing an approach to RAF Roborough when the accident occurred. The weather conditions at the time were described as marginal. During the approach, the pilot made a 20° error in heading settings, causing a misalignment with the runway.

Sequence of Events

On short final, the pilot realized the aircraft was not properly aligned with the runway. In an attempt to avoid a parked ambulance, the pilot executed a last-second correction. The aircraft subsequently crashed and came to rest in a boundary fence.

Injuries and Damage

Both pilots sustained slight injuries. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a wrong approach configuration on the part of the flying crew. Additionally, it was reported that RAF Roborough is difficult to access, poorly equipped, and its runway is considered too short.