1952-11-24: Avro 683 Lancaster (KB940) — Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF — Comox, Canada

8 fatalitiesComox, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

An Avro Lancaster crashed in a swamp during an instrument approach to Comox Airbase, resulting in seven passenger fatalities and two crew injuries.

What happened

While performing an instrument approach to the Comox Airbase under conditions of poor visibility, the Avro Lancaster lost control and impacted a swampy region. The accident occurred during a flight that was intended to serve as a replacement for a Canso aircraft that had experienced an engine malfunction earlier on the same day.

Upon impact, the crash resulted in the deaths of seven passengers. While the aircraft's crew members survived the event, both the pilot and the co-pilot sustained injuries during the descent and subsequent crash.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in poor weather conditions at the time of the accident.
  • The aircraft was executing an instrument approach when it became uncontrollable.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control during an instrument approach while flying in poor weather conditions.