On February 25, 1941, an Avro 652 Anson (registration 6250) operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF was involved in an aviation accident near Oak Lake, Canada in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's insufficient instrument flight experience led to an attempt to fly visually in poor visibility, causing the aircraft to strike a lake surface. 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.
A four-crew aircraft crashed into a lake surface during a navigation training exercise due to poor visibility and heavy snowfall, resulting in the deaths of all personnel on board.
What happened
The crew departed Rivers AFB for a scheduled navigation training exercise. While en route, the flight encountered deteriorating weather conditions characterized by heavy snowfall. The aircraft descended too low over a body of water and struck the surface of the lake in poor visibility. The impact occurred approximately 35 km southwest of the departure airfield. All four crew members were killed in the accident.
Findings
Official findings indicated that the pilot lacked sufficient experience to operate the aircraft solely by instruments under these conditions. Instead, the pilot attempted to maintain visual contact with the ground while flying through a snow flurry. This decision led directly to the collision with the lake surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's insufficient instrument flight experience led to an attempt to fly visually in poor visibility, causing the aircraft to strike a lake surface.
What happened in the 25 Feb 1941 Avro 652 Anson accident near Oak Lake, Canada?
A four-crew aircraft crashed into a lake surface during a navigation training exercise due to poor visibility and heavy snowfall, resulting in the deaths of all personnel on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Feb 1941 Avro 652 Anson accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Feb 1941 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration 6250, operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF, at Oak Lake, Canada.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's insufficient instrument flight experience led to an attempt to fly visually in poor visibility, causing the aircraft to strike a lake surface.
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