On May 5, 1942, an Avro 652 Anson (registration W2631) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft collided with a balloon cable while cruising, leading to an uncontrolled descent and crash. 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.
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the Cavendish Dock in Barrow-in-Furness after colliding with a balloon cable during a training mission, resulting in four fatalities.
What happened
The incident involved a twin-engine airplane operating on a training mission. The flight originated from RAF Wigtown. While maintaining a cruising altitude of 2,500 feet, the aircraft encountered an obstruction in the form of a balloon cable. This collision caused the plane to enter an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft ultimately impacted the water at the Cavendish Dock in Barrow-in-Furness. All four members of the crew were killed in the accident.
Findings
The official investigation identified the primary factor behind the crash as an in-flight collision with a balloon cable. This impact led to the loss of control that resulted in the fatal descent.
Probable cause
The aircraft collided with a balloon cable while cruising, leading to an uncontrolled descent and crash.
What happened in the 5 May 1942 Avro 652 Anson accident near Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom?
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the Cavendish Dock in Barrow-in-Furness after colliding with a balloon cable during a training mission, resulting in four fatalities.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 May 1942 Avro 652 Anson accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 May 1942 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration W2631, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft collided with a balloon cable while cruising, leading to an uncontrolled descent and crash.
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