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RAF Thornaby Reconnaissance Aircraft Runway Overrun (K6202)

Thornaby AFB, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On September 25, 1939, an Avro 652 Anson (registration K6202) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Thornaby AFB, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft landed too far down the runway, leaving insufficient distance to stop before overrunning the end and colliding with a hedge. 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 reconnaissance aircraft overran the runway at RAF Thornaby after landing too far down the strip. The plane collided with a hedge and was destroyed, though both crew members evacuated safely.

What happened

The incident occurred during the return leg of a reconnaissance mission to RAF Thornaby. The pilot brought the aircraft down on the runway but touched down significantly further down the strip than intended. As a result, the plane failed to stop within the available distance and overran the end of the runway. It subsequently collided with a hedge before coming to rest. Despite the impact, both members of the crew managed to evacuate the airframe safely. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair.

Findings

The primary mechanical factor leading to the accident was the late touchdown point on the runway. This positioning left insufficient distance for the twin-engine airplane to decelerate and stop before reaching the end of the paved surface, causing the overrun and subsequent collision with vegetation.

Probable cause

The aircraft landed too far down the runway, leaving insufficient distance to stop before overrunning the end and colliding with a hedge.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Sept 1939 Avro 652 Anson accident near Thornaby AFB, United Kingdom?

A twin-engine reconnaissance aircraft overran the runway at RAF Thornaby after landing too far down the strip. The plane collided with a hedge and was destroyed, though both crew members evacuated safely.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Sept 1939 Avro 652 Anson accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Sept 1939 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration K6202, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Thornaby AFB, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft landed too far down the runway, leaving insufficient distance to stop before overrunning the end and colliding with a hedge.

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