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

Windsor, AustraliaFlight

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)Primary reportUpdated 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.

— NTSB 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

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