1 fatality

Solo training aircraft crash near RAF Colerne due to engine failure (V5890)

Colerne AFB, United KingdomFlight

On July 12, 1943, a Bristol 142 Blenheim (registration V5890) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Colerne AFB, United Kingdom in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure in flight. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine trainer crashed and was destroyed five kilometers from RAF Colerne after an in-flight engine failure, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

During a solo training exercise departing from RAF Colerne, the aircraft experienced a mechanical malfunction. Specifically, one of the engines failed while the airplane was airborne. Following this loss of power, the pilot was unable to maintain control of the airframe. The aircraft subsequently crashed approximately five kilometers away from the airbase. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane and the fatality of the pilot on board.

Findings

The official investigation identified the primary cause of the accident as an engine failure occurring during flight. This mechanical issue directly led to the loss of control and the subsequent crash.

Probable cause

Engine failure in flight