No fatalities

RAF Coningsby to Kassel Return Crash Due to Engine Failure (P4285)

Coningsby AFB, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On September 9, 1941, a Handley Page H.P.52 Hampden (registration P4285) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Coningsby AFB, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted from double engine failure occurring during the approach phase. 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 military aircraft crashed while attempting to land at RAF Coningsby on September 9 after suffering double engine failure during the return leg of a mission to Kassel, resulting in two crew injuries.

What happened

On the evening of September 8, an aircraft departed RAF Coningsby for an operational mission to Kassel. The following morning, while returning to base, the aircraft experienced significant mechanical issues involving its powerplants. During the approach phase, the engines failed completely. As the crew attempted to execute a landing under these compromised conditions, the aircraft crashed. Two members of the flight crew sustained injuries in the incident.

Findings

Official investigations determined that the accident was caused by double engine failure during the final approach. This total loss of thrust prevented a safe landing, leading directly to the crash.

Probable cause

The accident resulted from double engine failure occurring during the approach phase.