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Avro 652 Anson accident at Windsor, Australia, 16 Oct 1938 (A4-8)

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On October 16, 1938, an Avro 652 Anson (registration A4-8) operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Windsor, Australia in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: According to the RAAF Board, the pilot was inexperienced with a total of 82 flying hours and only 14 hours on Avro Anson. Aged 19, he lead the aircraft in a situation that he was unable to control. 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 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

According to the RAAF Board, the pilot was inexperienced with a total of 82 flying hours and only 14 hours on Avro Anson. Aged 19, he lead the aircraft in a situation that he was unable to control.

— the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A) Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot departed RAAF Richmond at 1030LT. While cruising at an altitude estimated between 15,000 and 16,000 feet, he started a series of maneuvers when he lost control of the aircraft that stalled and went into a spin. The aircraft then lost a wing and an engine before crashing in a field located near Windsor, some 5 km east of Richmond AFB. The pilot was killed. Crew: John Fletcher, pilot.

Probable cause (official findings): According to the RAAF Board, the pilot was inexperienced with a total of 82 flying hours and only 14 hours on Avro Anson. Aged 19, he lead the aircraft in a situation that he was unable to control.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Oct 1938 Avro 652 Anson accident near Windsor, Australia?

The pilot departed RAAF Richmond at 1030LT. While cruising at an altitude estimated between 15,000 and 16,000 feet, he started a series of maneuvers when he lost control of the aircraft that stalled and went into a spin. The aircraft then lost a wing and an engine before crashing in a field located near Windsor, some…

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Oct 1938 Avro 652 Anson accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Oct 1938 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration A4-8, operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF, at Windsor, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

According to the RAAF Board, the pilot was inexperienced with a total of 82 flying hours and only 14 hours on Avro Anson. Aged 19, he lead the aircraft in a situation that he was unable to control.

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