Shotline Diving

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Avro Anson 7207

Explore the tragic history of Avro Anson 7207, a WWII training aircraft that crashed into Lake Ontario during a routine exercise, emphasizing the importance of flight safety.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Avro Anson 7207
  • Type: Aircraft
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions:
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Lake Ontario, near Waupoos Island, Ontario, Canada
  • Original Owners: Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type of Incident: Aircraft Crash

Description

The Avro Anson Mk II was a twin-engine training aircraft built during World War II and used extensively by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for navigation, bombing, and gunnery training. It played a pivotal role in the Commonwealth Air Training Plan, offering a reliable platform for training aircrew in various disciplines. The Mk II variant was particularly noted for its wooden fuselage and fixed landing gear, making it durable and economical for training purposes.

History

Anson 7207 was assigned to the 31 Bombing & Gunnery School at RCAF Picton, Ontario, where it was used for instrument and navigation training. During a routine training exercise, the aircraft crashed into Lake Ontario near Waupoos Island under tragic circumstances.

Eyewitness accounts reported that the aircraft was performing unauthorized aerobatic maneuvers, including a stall turn and loop, before failing to recover and plunging into the lake. These actions were inconsistent with the mission parameters for an instrument training flight. Investigators attributed the crash to unauthorized low flying, a clear violation of protocol.

The crash resulted in the loss of the aircraft and its crew. This tragedy underscores the critical importance of adhering to flight safety guidelines, particularly during training missions, where the risks of inexperienced crew or deviation from protocol can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Significant Incidents

Final Disposition: The aircraft, Anson 7207, sank irretrievably into Lake Ontario after impact. No survivors were reported, and the site became a solemn part of Canada’s wartime aviation history.

NOTMARs & Advisories: No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the crash site of Anson 7207. The area around Waupoos Island is a historical site tied to the intense training activities of World War II, though it poses no navigational hazards today.

Located By & Date: The crash was documented through eyewitness reports and subsequent RCAF investigations. The exact location was confirmed near Waupoos Island, though the precise underwater site of the wreck has not been fully explored or recovered.

Final Disposition

The loss of Anson 7207 near Waupoos Island remains a sobering example of the risks involved in military aviation training. The unauthorized maneuvers leading to the crash highlight the need for strict adherence to safety protocols, especially during high-stakes operations like instrument training. This incident serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the aircrew and the critical lessons learned in pursuit of safer aviation practices.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The crash site, though not a marked or explored wreck, is a part of the rich wartime history of Lake Ontario and the essential role played by training schools like RCAF Picton in preparing crews for the challenges of World War II.

Resources & Links

As divers and historians, it is crucial to approach such sites with respect and to document them ethically. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring that the legacy of those who served is preserved for future generations.