2 fatalities

Mid-air collision involving two RAAF Avro Ansons at Mallala Airport (A4-6)

Mallala, AustraliaTakeoff (climb)

On February 13, 1942, an Avro 652 Anson (registration A4-6) operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Mallala, Australia during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Mid-air collision between two RAAF Avro Anson aircraft shortly after takeoff during a local training exercise. 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

During a local training exercise at Mallala Airport, two Royal Australian Air Force Avro 652 Anson aircraft collided shortly after takeoff. Both planes crashed near the runway, resulting in the deaths of all four crew members on board.

What happened

The incident occurred during a routine local training exercise conducted at Mallala Airport. The accident involved two twin-engine military transport aircraft operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Shortly after departing the runway, one of the aircraft collided with a second RAAF Avro 652 Anson registered A4-31. Both aircraft were carrying crews of two personnel each.

Following the mid-air impact, both airplanes lost control and crashed in the vicinity of the runway. The collision resulted in fatal injuries for everyone on board. In total, four crew members were killed in the accident. The victims included personnel from the 6th Service Flying Training School (SFTS).

Findings

The source material does not provide specific technical findings or a detailed investigation report regarding the exact mechanical or procedural causes of the collision. It confirms only that the event was a mid-air collision during a training phase, leading to the loss of both aircraft and all personnel involved.

Probable cause

Mid-air collision between two RAAF Avro Anson aircraft shortly after takeoff during a local training exercise.