No fatalities

Aircraft veers off runway after engine failure during takeoff roll (L7066)

Heddington AFB, United KingdomTakeoff (climb)

On April 9, 1938, an Avro 652 Anson (registration L7066) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Heddington AFB, United Kingdom during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during the takeoff roll. 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 2026-08-27Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft lost control and struck a fence following an engine failure during the takeoff phase, resulting in minor injuries to the crew and substantial damage to the airframe.

What happened

During the initial takeoff roll, one of the engines failed. The loss of thrust caused the aircraft to become uncontrollable, leading it to veer off the runway surface. The airframe subsequently collided with a fence located adjacent to the departure path. Both members of the flight crew sustained minor injuries in the incident. Post-accident inspections determined that the structural damage to the aircraft was extensive enough to classify it as beyond repair.

Findings

The official investigation concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was the mechanical failure of an engine while the aircraft was still on the ground during the takeoff sequence.

Probable cause

Engine failure during the takeoff roll

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Apr 1938 Avro 652 Anson accident near Heddington AFB, United Kingdom?

An aircraft lost control and struck a fence following an engine failure during the takeoff phase, resulting in minor injuries to the crew and substantial damage to the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Apr 1938 Avro 652 Anson accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Apr 1938 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration L7066, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Heddington AFB, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure during the takeoff roll