IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION: #
The Avro Anson Mk. I (Serial No. 6554) was a British-built aircraft used primarily for training purposes by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II. The aircraft was powered by twin engines and was widely utilized for training pilots, navigators, and other aircrew members. The Anson had a wooden and metal frame, with a design that was robust yet relatively easy to handle, making it an ideal training aircraft during the war.
HISTORY & FINAL INCIDENT: #
On 15 September 1942, Avro Anson Mk. I (Serial No. 6554) tragically crashed into Lake St. Francis, near Cornwall, Ontario. The aircraft was officially on a “routine navigation training flight” but was unofficially being flown by the pilot, F/O Victor De Havilland, while he was off duty. De Havilland took the aircraft on what can only be described as an unauthorized low-altitude flight over the St. Lawrence River, in an apparent attempt to impress a party of people on a boat.
During the flight, the aircraft descended to an extremely low altitude, and the calm weather conditions made it difficult for De Havilland to distinguish the water’s surface from the sky, leading to a misjudgment in height. The plane struck the water, and although the pilot attempted to recover by opening the throttles, the aircraft was too damaged to maintain altitude. It nosed into the water, resulting in the deaths of three of the four occupants, including De Havilland himself.
The two other fatalities were:
- LAC W.H. Smale (GB.1318392)
- W/O T.P.W. Fraser (AUS. 413484)
The only survivor was LAC S.D.R. Cook (AUS.414469), who later provided evidence at the board of inquiry. Witnesses to the crash included Mr. J.R. Jones and Mr. G. Whitwell of the St. Lawrence Transport Co. Ltd, who were on the boat at the time.
The board of inquiry concluded that the crash was due to unauthorized low flying, and the official records noted the cause as pilot error, compounded by the deceptive visual conditions over the water. Mrs. De Havilland’s application for a service pension was denied, as the flight was conducted while her husband was off duty.
DIVE SITE EXPERIENCE: #
The wreck of the Avro Anson lies submerged in Lake St. Francis. The location is known but may be difficult to access due to the river’s currents and the wreck’s condition after more than 80 years underwater. Divers interested in exploring the wreck should approach with caution, as the site represents not only a significant piece of history but also a memorial to the lives lost in the tragic accident.
ANALYSIS: #
The crash of Avro Anson Mk. I (Serial No. 6554) serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unauthorized flying maneuvers, particularly during wartime when such activities were strictly regulated. The incident underscores the importance of adherence to protocol and the potential consequences of deviation from established procedures.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Aviation Safety Network: Information on the crash of Avro Anson 6554.
- Medals of England: Additional historical context and details on the incident.
- Baaa-acro.com: Crash details and investigation findings.
- Wikipedia – Avro Anson: General information on the Avro Anson aircraft.
KEYWORDS: #
Avro Anson, Lake St. Francis, St. Lawrence River, Cornwall Ontario, RCAF, WWII Aircraft Crash, Unauthorized Low Flying.
