3 fatalities

Convoy mission crash near Rhyl due to deteriorating weather (N5050)

Rhyl, United KingdomFlight

On January 19, 1940, an Avro 652 Anson (registration N5050) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Rhyl, United Kingdom in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Deteriorating weather conditions involving heavy snowfall during the flight phase led to the crash. 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 military aircraft crashed on the foreshore east of Rhyl after encountering heavy snow during a convoy mission, resulting in three fatalities and one serious injury.

What happened

The flight commenced at 0800LT from RAF Hooton Park with the objective of conducting a convoy mission. Approximately one hour into the operation, atmospheric conditions deteriorated significantly, characterized by heavy snowfall. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground on the foreshore located roughly 6 km east of Rhyl.

The accident resulted in three fatalities and left one crew member with serious injuries. The personnel involved included the pilot, an observer, an air gunner, and a wireless operator. The specific registration of the aircraft is not provided in the available records.

Probable cause

Deteriorating weather conditions involving heavy snowfall during the flight phase led to the crash.