What happened
During a VFR cruise at an altitude of 4,500 feet over the Coventry region, a C-47 collided with a Royal Air Force Avro Anson registered VV243. The Anson was carrying four pilots undergoing training. Following the impact, both aircraft lost control and descended rapidly to the ground near Exhall, north of Coventry. The crash resulted in 14 fatalities, accounting for all occupants on board both machines.
Findings
Investigations determined that the accident was caused by a midair collision where neither crew initiated evasive maneuvers. It was concluded that the pilot of the Anson failed to sight the Dakota, and the pilots of the Dakota did not see the Anson. This mutual failure to detect the other aircraft was attributed to a lack of effective lookout maintenance by the captain of each plane.