3 fatalities

Bomber Shot Down Near Vlorë (L1540)

Vlorë, AlbaniaFlight

On December 31, 1940, a Bristol 142 Blenheim (registration L1540) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Vlorë, Albania in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by enemy fire. 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 2026-08-27Data APIEditorial standards

A military bomber was hit by enemy fire and crashed near Vlorë, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members on board.

What happened

The aircraft, a bomber, came under attack from opposing forces during its mission. The plane sustained damage from enemy fire that rendered it uncontrollable or caused a catastrophic failure. Consequently, the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Vlorë. There were no survivors in this incident; all three individuals on board lost their lives.

Findings

The primary cause of the accident was identified as hostile action. The crew consisted of three personnel who were killed when the plane went down near the coastal city. No further technical details regarding specific mechanical failures prior to the impact are provided in the available records, as the event is classified primarily as a combat loss.

Probable cause

The aircraft was shot down by enemy fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Dec 1940 Bristol 142 Blenheim accident near Vlorë, Albania?

A military bomber was hit by enemy fire and crashed near Vlorë, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Dec 1940 Bristol 142 Blenheim accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Dec 1940 involved a Bristol 142 Blenheim, registration L1540, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, at Vlorë, Albania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was shot down by enemy fire.