No fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crash during training exercise at RAF Leuchars (K8780)

Leuchars AFB, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On April 1, 1939, an Avro 652 Anson (registration K8780) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Leuchars AFB, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. 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

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a hill near RAF Leuchars while on final approach in low cloud conditions. The crew was conducting a local training exercise, and their fate remains unknown.

What happened

The incident occurred during a local training exercise conducted on behalf of the 233th Squadron. At the time of the accident, the crew was flying a twin-engine aircraft and had established for final approach to RAF Leuchars.

Weather conditions at the scene were described as marginal, specifically characterized by low clouds. During this phase of flight, the aircraft impacted a hill situated less than two miles from the runway threshold. No specific registration mark is provided in the available records.

Findings

The official status of the crew members involved in the incident remains unknown. The source material does not provide further details regarding the specific contributing factors or the final investigation conclusions beyond the description of the weather and the terrain impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Apr 1939 Avro 652 Anson accident near Leuchars AFB, United Kingdom?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a hill near RAF Leuchars while on final approach in low cloud conditions. The crew was conducting a local training exercise, and their fate remains unknown.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Apr 1939 Avro 652 Anson accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Apr 1939 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration K8780, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Leuchars AFB, United Kingdom.