Crash of an Avro 683 Lancaster I in Valsonne: 4 killed
Date & Time:
Feb 5, 1943 at 2230 LT
Operator:
Registration:
W4118
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Syerston - Syerston
YOM:
1942
Crew on board:
8
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Aircraft flight hours:
340
Circumstances:
The aircraft left RAF Syerston at 1810LT on a bombing mission over Torino. While approaching Lyon, two engines failed. The captain reduced his altitude in an attempt to make an emergency landing in Valsonne, 30 km northwest of Lyon. By night and in low visibility, the aircraft hit the ground and crashed. Four crew members were killed while four others were injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire.
Crew (106th Squadron):
Sgt D. L. Thompson, pilot,
Sgt Norman Burt Johnstone, flight engineer,
F/S Frank Lawrence Darlington, navigator,
F/O George Roland Powell, bombardier,
Sgt Wilfrid Eric Baker, radio operator,
Sgt R. P. Sutton, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt J. Picken, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt P. Ward, bombardier.
Crew (106th Squadron):
Sgt D. L. Thompson, pilot,
Sgt Norman Burt Johnstone, flight engineer,
F/S Frank Lawrence Darlington, navigator,
F/O George Roland Powell, bombardier,
Sgt Wilfrid Eric Baker, radio operator,
Sgt R. P. Sutton, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt J. Picken, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt P. Ward, bombardier.
Probable cause:
Double engine failure.
