No fatalities

Stall During Single-Engine Approach Leads to Crash Near Airbase (WD418)

Usworth AFB (RAF Hylton), United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On December 15, 1952, an Avro 652 Anson (registration WD418) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Usworth AFB (RAF Hylton), United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The stall was caused by an insufficient approach speed. 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

During a training flight, a single-engine approach ended in a stall at 200 feet, causing the aircraft to crash vertically near the airbase boundary. All five occupants were injured and the aircraft destroyed.

Incident Overview

While conducting training maneuvers in the vicinity of the airbase, the pilot-in-command elected to perform a single engine approach to runway 23. On final approach, at a height of 200 feet, the airplane stalled and subsequently crashed in a near-vertical attitude. The accident site was a field located near the boundary fence.

Occupants and Damage

The aircraft carried five individuals: three cadets and two pilots. All five occupants sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact.

Probable Cause

Investigators determined that the stall was caused by an insufficient approach speed.