No fatalities

Runway excursion at Wallal due to brake failure (AW914)

Wallal, AustraliaLanding (descent or approach)

On June 10, 1945, an Avro 652 Anson (registration AW914) operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Wallal, Australia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Brake cable nipple detachment leading to brake failure during landing in crosswinds, followed by an unsuccessful turn attempt that caused a runway excursion. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft attempted a turn after brake failure during landing in crosswinds, resulting in a runway excursion and significant structural damage.

What happened

The flight departed Port Hedland bound for Wallal, located approximately 120 km to the northeast. The aircraft was carrying three crew members along with freight cargo. Upon arrival at Wallal around 0950 local time, the pilot executed a landing in conditions characterized by gusty crosswinds reaching up to 7 mph.

Following touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes, but they failed to function effectively because a nipple detached from the brake cable. With insufficient runway remaining for a go-around maneuver, the pilot attempted to turn the aircraft around using coarse rudder inputs and specific engine power settings. This corrective action proved unsuccessful, causing the aircraft to depart the runway surface.

The airframe struck a mound of dirt and subsequently crashed through a fence, which sheared off the undercarriage. The aircraft then slid an additional 20 yards on its fuselage, resulting in extensive damage to the structure.

Probable cause

Brake cable nipple detachment leading to brake failure during landing in crosswinds, followed by an unsuccessful turn attempt that caused a runway excursion.