1 fatality

Twin-engine aircraft crashes into Snowdonia mountains during training (N4980)

Mt Foel-fras, United KingdomFlight

On April 20, 1942, an Avro 652 Anson (registration N4980) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Foel-fras, United Kingdom in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Navigational error resulting from incorrect chart interpretation by the crew led to a controlled flight into terrain. 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

A twin-engine trainer struck the east slope of Mt Foel-fras in poor weather, killing one observer and injuring three crew members.

What happened

The aircraft departed RAF Moreton-in-Marsh to conduct a training mission for the 21st OTU. While flying at low altitude in deteriorating weather conditions, the twin-engine plane collided with the eastern slope of Mt Foel-fras within the Snowdonia region of north Wales.

The impact resulted in serious consequences for the four-person crew. The observer was killed in the accident, while the remaining three crew members sustained injuries.

Findings

Investigation determined that the crash was caused by a navigational error. Specifically, a misinterpretation of the chart by part of the crew led to a controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

Navigational error resulting from incorrect chart interpretation by the crew led to a controlled flight into terrain.