Aircraft collision with mountain during diversion to RAF Valley

3 fatalities • Llandudno, United Kingdom • Flight

A flight operating for coastal communications crashed into a mountainside while attempting to divert due to deteriorating weather conditions.

What happened

While conducting a scheduled mission from RAF Bovingdon to RAF Ballykelly on behalf of the coastal communications commando, the crew encountered worsening meteorological conditions. Upon receiving notification that the weather at their intended destination had deteriorated, the flight was directed to divert to RAF Valley.

During this diversion, the aircraft entered cloud cover and subsequently collided with the slope of Mt Tal y Fan. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused the deaths of all three crew members.

Findings

  • The flight was operating under instructions to change destination due to poor visibility at the original arrival point.
  • The collision occurred while the aircraft was flying within clouds.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in low-visibility cloud conditions during a diversion maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1959-05-20 Avro 652 Anson accident near Llandudno, United Kingdom?

A flight operating for coastal communications crashed into a mountainside while attempting to divert due to deteriorating weather conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1959-05-20 Avro 652 Anson accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1959-05-20 involved a Avro 652 Anson, registration VV955, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Llandudno, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in low-visibility cloud conditions during a diversion maneuver.

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