No fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crash at RAF Kingstown (N4940)

Kingstown AFB, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On May 7, 1940, an Avro 652 Anson (registration N4940) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Kingstown AFB, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was on an approach that was too low to safely clear terrain obstacles. 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

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a field near RAF Kingstown after striking a hedge during an unsafe approach, resulting in injuries to all three occupants.

What happened

The incident involved a twin engine aircraft that was on final approach to RAF Kingstown. During the descent phase, the aircraft was flying at an altitude considered unsafe for the conditions. As it continued its approach, the airframe impacted a hedge located in a field situated short of the runway threshold. The collision resulted in the aircraft crashing into the ground and sustaining damage beyond repair.

All three individuals on board were injured in the accident. There were no fatalities reported in this event. The sequence of events indicates that the failure to maintain adequate clearance during the approach phase was central to the impact with terrain obstacles prior to reaching the landing zone.

Findings

The official investigation identified the primary factor behind the accident as an approach conducted at a height too low for safe operation. This insufficient altitude prevented the crew from avoiding the hedge and resulted in the subsequent crash into the field.

Probable cause

The aircraft was on an approach that was too low to safely clear terrain obstacles.