3 fatalities

Anson shot down over German waters (K6183)

Borkum, GermanyFlight

On September 5, 1939, an Avro 652 Anson (registration K6183) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Borkum, Germany in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by a German Heinkel He.115 fighter. 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 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine Anson was intercepted and destroyed by a German Heinkel He.115 while approaching the coast near Borkum Island, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

During an approach toward the German coastline, a twin-engine aircraft operating under the designation of the 206th Squadron came under attack. The plane was engaged by a German fighter, specifically a Heinkel He.115. Following the engagement, the Anson lost control and crashed into the sea in the waters off Borkum Island.

The impact resulted in significant loss of life among the four-person crew. One crew member was successfully rescued from the water. However, the remaining three occupants did not survive the incident. The victims included a pilot officer, a sergeant, and two aircrew members who were killed in the crash.

Findings

Official investigations confirmed that the primary cause of the accident was hostile action. The aircraft was shot down by an enemy fighter while operating in contested airspace near the German coast.

Probable cause

The aircraft was shot down by a German Heinkel He.115 fighter.