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5 fatalities

South African Air Force Anson mid-air collision near East London (1212)

East London, South AfricaFlight

On February 1, 1942, an Avro 652 Anson (registration 1212) operated by South African Air Force - SAAF was involved in an aviation accident near East London, South Africa in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Mid-air collision between two formation-flying aircraft under unknown circumstances. 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 2026-08-26Data APIEditorial standards

Two South African Air Force Ansons collided in flight during an aerial photography mission near East London-Collondale AFB, resulting in the loss of all five crew members on board one aircraft.

What happened

The incident involved two South African Air Force Avro Anson aircraft operating in formation. The pair departed from East London-Collondale Air Force Base to conduct an aerial photography mission. During the flight, the two aircraft collided under circumstances that remain unknown.

Following the mid-air collision, the pilot of one Anson, registered 3164, managed to regain control and execute an emergency landing back at Collondale AFB. The second aircraft, registered 1212, entered an uncontrolled dive shortly after the impact. It crashed into a field located 1.5 miles southwest of the airbase and subsequently burst into flames.

All five crew members aboard the crashed aircraft were killed in the accident. The fatalities included the pilot, co-pilot, and three observers assigned to the 41st Squadron.

Probable cause

Mid-air collision between two formation-flying aircraft under unknown circumstances

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Feb 1942 Avro 652 Anson accident near East London, South Africa?

Two South African Air Force Ansons collided in flight during an aerial photography mission near East London-Collondale AFB, resulting in the loss of all five crew members on board one aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Feb 1942 Avro 652 Anson accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Feb 1942 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration 1212, operated by South African Air Force - SAAF, at East London, South Africa.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Mid-air collision between two formation-flying aircraft under unknown circumstances

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