Membury AFB

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft swung, veered off runway, went through the apron and collided with another RAF C-47 registered KN406. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off.

The airplane departed Istres AFB on its last leg to RAF Membury. While cruising at an altitude of 20,000 feet, the aircraft went through a low pressure area with clouds and turbulence. Shortly later, the aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in a field located in Teloché, about 15 km south of Le Mans. All 11 occupants were killed.
Crew:
F/O Victor Albert Bain, pilot,
Sgt Eric Edward Bartlett, wireless operator,
F/O Norman Leslie Brown, navigator,
W/O Joseph Edmund Edwards, wireless operator and air gunner,
F/Lt Lancelot Benjamin Albert Elias, navigator,
F/Lt Victor Franck Funnell, pilot,
F/Lt Thomas Knowles, pilot,
F/Lt Arthur William Atkinson Scott, pilot,
F/Lt Harry Raymond Shephard, pilot,
F/Lt James Stephen, navigator,
F/Lt Stephen Maurice Tugwell, pilot.

The crew completed the approach by night. On final, the aircraft hit tree tops and crashed 3 km short of runway. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair while all four occupants were injured. At the time of the accident, the airport was unlit due to the possible presence of enemy aircraft in the region.

Shortly after take off from runway 35, the aircraft climbed to a height of 600-700 feet before turning towards the south. When he reached the south boundary of the airfield, the pilot made a 180 turn and reduced his altitude to 100 feet, flying over his squadron area. While making a turn to the right, the aircraft banked right, causing the right wing to hit trees. The aircraft stalled and crashed in a wooded area. Three occupants were seriously injured while all 11 other occupants were killed. Few hours later, all three survivors died from their injuries.
Crew (303rd TCS):
1st Lt Howard G. Winand, pilot,
2nd Lt Norman S. Woods, copilot,
2nd Lt. John D. Horgan, navigator,
S/Sgt Billie E. Green, engineer,
Sgt Jesse R. Black, radio operator.
Passengers:
Capt Joshua Levitsky,
2nd Lt Anthony G. Ciavettone,
2nd Lt Robert A. Matthews,
2nd Lt Hugo E. Nehlsen,
2nd Lt Robert F. Allen,
S/Sgt Edward T. Roche Jr.,
S/Sgt Benjamin J. Bertino,
S/Sgt Henry G. Wulz,
S/Sgt Thomas P. O'Grady.

The aircraft registered 42-24030 left RAF Welford on a formation training mission with another USAF C-47 registered 42-24028. While cruising in the vicinity of RAF Membury, both aircraft collided and crashed in a field located 2 miles southwest of the airfield. All nine occupants on both aircraft were killed.
Crew (71st Squadron):
2nd Lt Forrest Kilmer Ames,
Sgt Irvin T. Foucheaux,
1st Lt Alvin Markey,
2nd Lt Ralph O. Rice,
S/Sgt Roy A. Taylor.

The aircraft registered 42-24028 left RAF Welford on a formation training mission with another USAF C-47 registered 42-24030. While cruising in the vicinity of RAF Membury, both aircraft collided and crashed in a field located 2 miles southwest of the airfield. All nine occupants on both aircraft were killed.
Crew (71st Squadron):
Sgt Roy A. Adams,
2nd Lt Samuel J. Bryan,
2nd Lt Bernard R. Gildea,
S/Sgt Julius J. Jacobs.