3 fatalities

Training flight collision with another aircraft in Brighton (40-189)

Brighton, United States of AmericaFlight

On January 9, 1942, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration 40-189) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Brighton, United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with another aircraft during a training flight in poor visibility caused by marginal weather conditions. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-26Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine trainer collided mid-air with an unidentified aircraft during a training exercise in poor visibility near Brighton, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members.

What happened

During a routine training mission, a twin-engine military aircraft encountered another plane in the airspace. The two aircraft collided while operating in the vicinity of Brighton. Following the mid-air impact, the subject aircraft lost control and crashed into a nearby field. The accident took place under conditions of poor visibility caused by marginal weather. All three individuals on board were killed in the incident.

Findings

The primary environmental factor contributing to the event was reduced visual clarity due to adverse weather conditions. These factors likely hindered the crew's ability to detect and avoid the other aircraft, leading to the fatal collision.

Probable cause

Collision with another aircraft during a training flight in poor visibility caused by marginal weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jan 1942 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Brighton, United States of America?

A twin-engine trainer collided mid-air with an unidentified aircraft during a training exercise in poor visibility near Brighton, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jan 1942 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jan 1942 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration 40-189, operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947), at Brighton, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Collision with another aircraft during a training flight in poor visibility caused by marginal weather conditions.