IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
Type of Wreck: Small Plane (Avro Anson Mk. I)
Location: Lake St. Francis, St. Lawrence River, near Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates: Approximately 1.5 miles upriver from Summerstown, near Canal Island
Depth of Wreck: Varies, specific depth not documented
AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION
The Avro Anson Mk. I (Serial No. 6554) was a twin-engine aircraft primarily used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for training purposes during World War II. Designed with a combination of wooden and metal structures, it featured a robust yet straightforward configuration that was ideal for training navigators, pilots, and aircrew. The Anson Mk. I was widely recognized for its reliability and versatility during wartime.
HISTORY & FINAL INCIDENT
On 15 September 1942, the Avro Anson Mk. I, operated unofficially by F/O Victor De Havilland, crashed into Lake St. Francis. While the aircraft was officially assigned to a navigation training flight, De Havilland, off duty at the time, took the plane on an unauthorized low-altitude flight over the St. Lawrence River.
Sequence of Events
•The flight was conducted to impress individuals aboard a nearby boat.
•Flying at an extremely low altitude, De Havilland misjudged the water’s surface height due to calm weather conditions, which created deceptive visual illusions.
•The aircraft struck the water. Although the engines were throttled in an attempt to recover, the damage rendered the plane unable to maintain altitude.
•The aircraft nosedived into the water, resulting in three fatalities.
Casualties
1.F/O Victor De Havilland (Pilot)
2.LAC W.H. Smale (GB.1318392)
3.W/O T.P.W. Fraser (AUS. 413484)
The sole survivor was LAC S.D.R. Cook (AUS.414469), who later provided testimony during the investigation.
Board of Inquiry Findings
The official inquiry concluded:
•Cause: Pilot error, compounded by unauthorized low-altitude flying and visual deception caused by the calm water surface.
•Outcome: Mrs. De Havilland’s service pension application was denied due to the unofficial nature of the flight.
DIVE SITE EXPERIENCE
The Avro Anson wreck is submerged in Lake St. Francis, though its exact condition and accessibility are uncertain. The wreck has historical significance and serves as a solemn reminder of wartime losses. Divers exploring the site should be mindful of potential hazards, such as strong river currents and the fragile state of the wreckage after decades underwater.
ANALYSIS
The crash of Avro Anson Mk. I underscores the risks of unauthorized flight maneuvers, particularly during wartime. The loss of the aircraft and lives illustrates the strict protocols necessary for aviation safety and the tragic consequences of deviations from those protocols.
RESOURCES & LINKS
KEYWORDS
Avro Anson, Lake St. Francis, St. Lawrence River, Cornwall Ontario, RCAF, WWII Aircraft Crash, Unauthorized Low Flying, Victor De Havilland, Aviation Safety, Warplane History.
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