No fatalities

Single-engine aircraft crashes into hedge at RAF Acklington after takeoff (X7333)

Acklington AFB, United KingdomTakeoff (climb)

On June 8, 1941, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration X7333) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Acklington AFB, United Kingdom during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by an engine failure that occurred immediately after takeoff. 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 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft suffered an engine failure immediately after takeoff and crashed into a hedge at RAF Acklington. The sole occupant, the pilot, escaped without injury.

What happened

The incident occurred during a delivery flight when the aircraft experienced a mechanical malfunction shortly after leaving the ground. Following the engine failure upon takeoff, the plane lost power and descended uncontrolled into a hedge located at RAF Acklington. The impact resulted in significant structural damage to the airframe, rendering it beyond repair. Despite the severity of the crash, the pilot, who was the only person on board, sustained no injuries.

Findings

Official investigations identified the immediate cause of the accident as the loss of engine power during the initial climb phase. The failure prevented the aircraft from maintaining altitude or completing a safe landing, leading directly to the ground impact.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an engine failure that occurred immediately after takeoff.