Training aircraft crash at RAF Usworth following landing gear malfunction

No fatalities • Usworth AFB (RAF Hylton), United Kingdom • Landing (descent or approach)

A training flight at RAF Usworth resulted in an aircraft stall and crash during a simulated engine failure procedure after the crew encountered landing gear issues.

What happened

During a local training mission conducted at RAF Usworth, the crew was executing maneuvers designed to simulate an engine failure. While on final approach, the pilot encountered significant technical difficulties regarding the aircraft's undercarriage, which failed to extend and lock into position correctly.

In response to the landing gear malfunction, the pilot-in-command attempted to restart the non-functioning engine. This decision led to the initiation of a go-around maneuver. During this process, the aircraft type experienced a stall, causing it to crash into a field situated just before the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the aircraft being destroyed beyond repair, though all three crew members survived the incident with injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the accident highlighted critical errors in flight management and communication. The primary contributing factor was poor coordination and inadequate management of the flight by the crew, specifically regarding their failure to maintain proper approach speeds. Additionally, the crew did not sufficiently account for all necessary variables involved in performing a go-around maneuver while simultaneously managing a single-engine approach exercise.

Probable cause

The accident resulted from insufficient crew coordination and a failure to properly manage flight parameters during a complex go-around procedure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-07-30 Avro 652 Anson accident near Usworth AFB (RAF Hylton), United Kingdom?

A training flight at RAF Usworth resulted in an aircraft stall and crash during a simulated engine failure procedure after the crew encountered landing gear issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-07-30 Avro 652 Anson accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-07-30 involved a Avro 652 Anson, registration VV954, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Usworth AFB (RAF Hylton), United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident resulted from insufficient crew coordination and a failure to properly manage flight parameters during a complex go-around procedure.

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