No fatalities

Training aircraft stall shortly after takeoff at RAF Ternhill (K8720)

Ternhill AFB, United KingdomTakeoff (climb)

On December 6, 1939, an Avro 652 Anson (registration K8720) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Ternhill AFB, United Kingdom during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft stalled during a left turn shortly after takeoff. 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 military trainer aircraft stalled during a left turn shortly after departing RAF Ternhill, resulting in a crash that injured both crew members on board.

What happened

The incident occurred during a local training mission conducted on behalf of the 10th Army School. The aircraft departed from RAF Ternhill and was in the initial climb phase when the accident took place. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot initiated a left turn. During this maneuver, the airplane entered a stall condition and subsequently crashed into the ground. Both individuals on board sustained injuries as a result of the impact.

Findings

The immediate cause of the crash was identified as an aerodynamic stall occurring during a turning maneuver shortly after liftoff. The specific contributing factors leading to the loss of lift, such as angle of attack or airspeed management, are not detailed in the available source material.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled during a left turn shortly after takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Dec 1939 Avro 652 Anson accident near Ternhill AFB, United Kingdom?

A military trainer aircraft stalled during a left turn shortly after departing RAF Ternhill, resulting in a crash that injured both crew members on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Dec 1939 Avro 652 Anson accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Dec 1939 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration K8720, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Ternhill AFB, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft stalled during a left turn shortly after takeoff.