On June 4, 1940, an Avro 652 Anson (registration L7047) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Thorney Island AFB, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was blinded by searchlight on approach, causing the airplane to crash into the sea. 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 maritime patrol aircraft crashed into the North Sea during final approach to RAF Thorney Island. All four crew members were rescued before the airframe sank.
What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was returning to RAF Thorney Island after completing a maritime patrol mission over the North Sea. During the final approach phase, the machine lost control and descended into the water approximately a few hundred yards from the shore. The airframe subsequently sank and was declared a total loss. All four members of the crew were successfully rescued while the aircraft was still in the water.
Findings
Official investigations indicated that the pilot likely suffered temporary blindness caused by searchlight glare during the approach. This visual impairment is believed to have resulted in the loss of control, leading directly to the impact with the sea.
Probable cause
The pilot was blinded by searchlight on approach, causing the airplane to crash into the sea.
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