4 fatalities

Training aircraft crash into residence at Qualicum Beach (6974)

Qualicum Beach, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On June 4, 1943, an Avro 652 Anson (registration 6974) operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF was involved in an aviation accident near Qualicum Beach, Canada during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was attributed to the structural failure of the port wing. 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 training aircraft lost control on final approach and crashed into a house in Qualicum Beach, killing all four crew members while no one on the ground was injured.

What happened

The incident occurred during a routine training mission conducted by the 32nd OTU based at Patricia Bay. The aircraft was operating in the vicinity of Qualicum Beach when it encountered difficulties during the final approach phase. Control of the airplane was lost, leading to an uncontrolled descent that resulted in a collision with a residential structure. Upon impact, the airframe ignited and burst into flames.

The crash resulted in the deaths of all four individuals on board. The crew consisted of a pilot, two student navigators, and a navigator instructor. Despite the severity of the impact and subsequent fire, there were no reported casualties among residents or bystanders on the ground.

Probable cause

The accident was attributed to the structural failure of the port wing.