1 fatality

Collision Between Neptune and C-47 at RAF Burtonwood (122443)

Burtonwood AFB, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On January 5, 1952, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune (registration 122443) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Burtonwood AFB, United Kingdom during landing or approach. One person was killed. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A Neptune on a training mission veered off runway after touchdown and collided with a USAF C-47 holding for takeoff, destroying both aircraft; multiple fatalities and injuries occurred.

Accident Overview

A local training mission at RAF Burtonwood ended in a collision when a Neptune aircraft, after touchdown, lost control and veered off the runway. It struck a parked USAF C-47 (registration 42-100912) that was holding for takeoff with ten crew members on board. Both aircraft were destroyed in the impact.

Occupants and Casualties

On the Neptune, which carried 12 occupants, one person was killed and 11 others sustained injuries. The C-47 had ten crew members aboard; six were killed and four were injured.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, visibility was limited due to poor weather conditions.

Aircraft Damage

Both the Neptune and the C-47 were destroyed. The exact nature of the damage to each aircraft is not further specified beyond total destruction.