No fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crashes into Emsworth Channel during training exercise (K8704)

Thorney Island AFB, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On September 4, 1939, an Avro 652 Anson (registration K8704) 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 accident was caused by an engine failure that occurred while the pilot was initiating a go-around maneuver. 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 the Emsworth Channel after an engine failure during a go-around in foggy conditions, resulting in two injuries among the four rescued crew members.

What happened

The incident occurred while the crew was conducting a local training exercise for the 48th Squadron. During the final approach phase, visibility was reduced due to foggy weather. The aircraft descended to an altitude that was considered too low for the conditions, prompting the pilot to initiate a go-around maneuver. Shortly after this decision, one of the engines failed. The loss of power caused the aircraft to stall, leading it to impact the runway surface. Following the ground contact, the airframe overshot the end of the runway and eventually crashed into the Emsworth Channel. The twin-engine aircraft sank rapidly into the water.

All four members of the crew were successfully rescued from the scene. Of those saved, two were injured. The individuals involved in the flight were identified as the pilot, the copilot, and two other aircrew members serving with the unit.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an engine failure that occurred while the pilot was initiating a go-around maneuver.