No fatalities

Solo training flight crash lands at Lee-on-Solent (NF866)

Lee-on-the-Solent, United KingdomFlight

On November 15, 1945, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration NF866) operated by Royal Navy was involved in an aviation accident near Lee-on-the-Solent, United Kingdom in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure. 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 solo training aircraft experienced an engine failure near Lee-on-Solent Airfield, resulting in a crash landing in a field. The pilot survived the incident without injury.

What happened

During a solo training exercise conducted on behalf of the 799th Squadron, the pilot was operating in the vicinity of Lee-on-Solent Airfield. While flying near the airport, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. This mechanical issue forced the pilot to execute an emergency landing. The aircraft ultimately crash landed in a field nearby and sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair. Despite the severity of the impact, the pilot emerged from the wreckage unhurt.

Findings

The official investigation identified engine failure as the primary cause of the accident.

Probable cause

Engine failure