On November 15, 1939, an Avro 652 Anson (registration N5196) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Cranfield, United Kingdom during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure shortly after rotation caused the aircraft to stall and crash into an open field. 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 twin-engine aircraft crashed into an open field shortly after takeoff during a solo night training flight, resulting in minor injuries to the pilot and total loss of the airframe.
What happened
The incident occurred while the pilot was conducting a solo night training exercise. Shortly after rotation, the twin-engine aircraft experienced an engine failure that led to an immediate stall. The aircraft subsequently crashed into an open field located past the end of the runway. As a result of the impact, the airframe sustained damage beyond repair. The pilot survived the accident with minor injuries.
Findings
Official investigations identified engine failure shortly after rotation as the primary cause of the accident. This mechanical issue prevented the aircraft from maintaining lift and speed required for safe flight, leading to the stall and subsequent ground impact.
Probable cause
Engine failure shortly after rotation caused the aircraft to stall and crash into an open field.
What happened in the 15 Nov 1939 Avro 652 Anson accident near Cranfield, United Kingdom?
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into an open field shortly after takeoff during a solo night training flight, resulting in minor injuries to the pilot and total loss of the airframe.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Nov 1939 Avro 652 Anson accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Nov 1939 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration N5196, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Cranfield, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Engine failure shortly after rotation caused the aircraft to stall and crash into an open field.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…