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Belly Landing at RAF Chivenor During Training Mission (WD415)

Chivenor AFB, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On October 17, 1960, an Avro 652 Anson (registration WD415) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Chivenor AFB, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew mistakenly raised the landing gear on approach instead of lowering the flaps. 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 crew from RAF St Athan mistakenly belly landed at RAF Chivenor after raising the landing gear instead of lowering flaps. The aircraft was destroyed, but both pilots were unhurt.

Incident Overview and Outcome During a routine training mission that originated from RAF St Athan, the flight proceeded without incident until the final approach to RAF Chivenor. The crew executed a belly landing, causing the aircraft to slide for several yards before it came to a complete stop. The impact resulted in damage that rendered the aircraft beyond repair. Fortunately, both pilots on board were unhurt in the event. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the accident occurred because the crew mistakenly raised the landing gear during the approach phase. This action was taken in error instead of lowering the flaps, which led to the aircraft landing on its underside.

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