6 fatalities

Collision between two Royal Netherlands Air Force Ansons during combined exercise (D-21)

Gilze-Rijen AFB, NetherlandsTakeoff (climb)

On May 28, 1947, an Avro 652 Anson (registration D-21) operated by Royal Netherlands Air Force - Luchtvaartbrigade (1913-1953) was involved in an aviation accident near Gilze-Rijen AFB, Netherlands during takeoff. 6 people were killed. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Two RNAF Anson aircraft collided shortly after takeoff from Gilze-Rijen AFB, resulting in the total destruction of both planes and the deaths of all twelve crew members.

What happened

The incident involved a Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) Anson participating in a joint training exercise. The aircraft was operating alongside another RNAF Anson, which carried a registration of D-22. Both planes were carrying six crew members each, totaling twelve personnel across the two airframes.

Following takeoff from Gilze-Rijen Air Force Base, the aircraft entered the initial climb phase. During this stage of flight, the two planes collided with one another. The impact caused both aircraft to crash into a nearby field. The collision resulted in the total destruction of both airframes. All 12 crew members aboard the two aircraft were killed in the accident.