Date & Time:
May 20, 1942 at 1555 LT
Type of aircraft:
Avro 683 Lancaster
Operator:
Registration:
L7581
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Waddington - Waddington
Country:
United Kingdom
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
0
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was engaged in a test flight. During the take off roll, the aircraft deviated to the left. The pilot tried to counteract but aircraft left runway to the left, crossed the tarmac and collided with two parked aircraft. A huge explosion occurred and all three aircraft were destroyed by fire. All three crew members were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
According to the RAF, a leading edge slat broke on left wing during the take off roll, affecting control capability of the aircraft that veered off runway.
