On February 8, 1942, an Avro 652 Anson (registration W1793) operated by Air Transport Auxiliary was involved in an aviation accident near South Stainmore, United Kingdom in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain caused by the pilot losing their bearings during low-altitude flight in poor weather. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a hillside slope near South Stainmore during a low-altitude positioning flight in poor weather, resulting in the death of the sole pilot on board.
What happened
The incident involved a twin engine airplane operating as a positioning flight between RAF Sherburn-in-Elmet and RAF Kirkbride. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was cruising at low altitude while navigating through poor weather conditions. During this phase of flight, the airframe impacted the slope of Mt Buckles Heath, which is situated near South Stainmore. The pilot was the only person on board and was killed in the crash.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the accident resulted from a controlled flight into terrain. The primary contributing factor identified was that the pilot appears to have lost their bearings while flying in adverse meteorological conditions.
Probable cause
Controlled flight into terrain caused by the pilot losing their bearings during low-altitude flight in poor weather.
What happened in the 8 Feb 1942 Avro 652 Anson accident near South Stainmore, United Kingdom?
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a hillside slope near South Stainmore during a low-altitude positioning flight in poor weather, resulting in the death of the sole pilot on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 Feb 1942 Avro 652 Anson accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Feb 1942 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration W1793, operated by Air Transport Auxiliary, at South Stainmore, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Controlled flight into terrain caused by the pilot losing their bearings during low-altitude flight in poor weather.
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