No fatalities

Training Aircraft Overruns Runway at Luqa Base (PH696)

Luqa, MaltaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 8, 1946, an Avro 652 Anson (registration PH696) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Luqa, Malta during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A training aircraft failed to stop after landing at Luqa, overran the runway, and came to rest on its belly with the undercarriage lost. Both crew members were uninjured, but the airframe was destroyed.

What happened

During a routine training sortie operating out of Luqa, the flight crew completed their mission and initiated the return to base. Upon touchdown at the end of the runway, the aircraft encountered difficulties decelerating. The plane failed to stop within the available distance and subsequently overran the paved surface. As it traveled beyond the runway limits, the airframe lost its undercarriage and ultimately came to rest on its belly.

The incident resulted in significant structural damage to the airframe, rendering it damaged beyond repair. Fortunately, both members of the crew escaped the event without sustaining any injuries.