On January 31, 1940, an Avro 652 Anson (registration N4943) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Glenariff, United Kingdom in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain due to deviation from the prescribed route in low visibility. 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 four-person crew was killed when their aircraft struck a mountainside near Glenariff after deviating from route in low visibility caused by mist and snow.
What happened
The flight originated at Prestwick at 0830 local time for an observation exercise. During the en-route phase, the crew encountered deteriorating meteorological conditions characterized by thick mist and heavy snowfall. These factors significantly reduced visibility. In response to the low-visibility environment, the pilot departed from the prescribed flight path. The aircraft subsequently impacted the slope of a mountain situated south of Glenariff while at an altitude of 1,000 feet. All four individuals on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the accident resulted from controlled flight into terrain. The primary contributing factor was the deviation from the planned route under conditions of severely limited visibility.
Probable cause
Controlled flight into terrain due to deviation from the prescribed route in low visibility.
What happened in the 31 Jan 1940 Avro 652 Anson accident near Glenariff, United Kingdom?
A four-person crew was killed when their aircraft struck a mountainside near Glenariff after deviating from route in low visibility caused by mist and snow.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jan 1940 Avro 652 Anson accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Jan 1940 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration N4943, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Glenariff, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Controlled flight into terrain due to deviation from the prescribed route in low visibility.
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