Crash of an Airspeed AS.10 Oxford II near Westacre Junction
Date & Time:
Apr 24, 1942
Operator:
Registration:
R5997
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Bulawayo - Bulawayo
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Both pilots were engaged in a training flight on behalf of the 21st Army Training School. En route, the twin engine aircraft collided with birds that hit the right wing and the right engine. The crew was forced to reduce his altitude and to attempt an emergency landing in an open field. On touch down, the aircraft lost its undercarriage and slid for several yards before coming to rest. Both crew escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
Bird strike.
