11 fatalities

Shackleton Crew Conducting Low-Altitude Exercise Crashes into Sea (VP261)

Berwick-upon-Tweed, United KingdomFlight

On June 25, 1952, an Avro 696 Shackleton (registration VP261) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Berwick-upon-Tweed, United Kingdom in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the aircraft's speed was too low during the last turn, causing it to stall. Also, the distance between the aircraft and the water surface when the stall occurred was insufficient to expect a recovery. 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 combined exercise with HMS Sirdar, a maritime patrol aircraft stalled and crashed approximately 11 miles off Berwick-upon-Tweed. Two pilots were rescued; 11 others lost their lives.

Accident Details

The crew departed RAF Scampton to participate in a joint exercise with the submarine HMS Sirdar, on behalf of 120 Squadron. While flying at low altitude and simulating an aerial attack, the pilot-in-command executed a steep turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft stalled and subsequently struck the sea about 11 miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Rescue and Casualties

Two pilots were rescued from the water, but the other 11 occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

According to the official investigation, the probable cause was that the aircraft's speed became too low during the final turn, leading to a stall. Additionally, the distance between the aircraft and the water surface when the stall occurred was insufficient to permit a recovery.