1 fatality

Solo test flight crash into River Severn near Avonmouth (L4468)

Avonmouth, United KingdomFlight

On November 20, 1939, a Bristol 152 Beaufort (registration L4468) operated by Bristol Aeroplane Company was involved in an aviation accident near Avonmouth, United Kingdom in flight. One person was killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost control of an aircraft during a local solo test flight from Bristol-Filton, resulting in a crash into the River Severn off Avonmouth. The pilot was killed in the incident.

What happened

The incident occurred during a local solo test flight that had departed from Bristol-Filton Airport. While operating in the vicinity of Avonmouth, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The airplane subsequently crashed into the River Severn. The sole occupant, the pilot, was killed in the accident.

Findings

The specific circumstances leading to the loss of control were not determined or stated in the available records. No further contributing factors or conclusions regarding the mechanical condition or environmental conditions at the time of the crash are provided.