2 fatalities

Training Sortie Ends in Fatal Crash Near Little Sodbury (VS582)

Little Sodbury, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On May 29, 1951, an Avro 652 Anson (registration VS582) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Little Sodbury, United Kingdom during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper actions by the copilot on approach led the aircraft to become uncontrollable. Several attempts to regain control by the captain were unsuccessful. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a training sortie at RAF Hullavington crashed in a field near Little Sodbury after becoming uncontrollable during approach in poor weather. Two crew members were killed, two were seriously injured.

Incident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft conducting a local training sortie at RAF Hullavington crashed in poor weather conditions. The aircraft was approaching from the west when it became uncontrollable following improper handling by the copilot, who was the pilot in command at the time. The captain attempted to regain control but was unsuccessful. The aircraft subsequently crashed in a field located southeast of Little Sodbury, approximately eight miles west of RAF Hullavington.

Crew

The crew consisted of four members: F/Lt William Ellis Bowden, F/Lt Newton Mold, Cad L. G. Clarke, and Cad N. Orr. Two crew members were killed in the accident, and two others were seriously injured.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was improper actions by the copilot during the approach, which led the aircraft to become uncontrollable. Several attempts by the captain to regain control were unsuccessful.