Crash of a Lockheed PV-1 Ventura II in West Stow: 2 killed
Date & Time:
Jan 20, 1943 at 1145 LT
Operator:
Registration:
AJ171
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Feltwell - Feltwell
MSN:
4309
YOM:
1942
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The airplane departed RAF Feltwell on a training sortie with a crew of three on board. Flying n°2 in a formation low-level dummy attack on Corby steel works, the airplane collided with a 65 feet high tree and crashed near King's Forest Lodge, West Stow. Two crew members were killed while the navigator was seriously injured. For unknown reason, the pilot was flying at an insufficient altitude and failed to sea and avoid the trees.
Crew (487th Squadron):
Sgt Gerald John Abrey, pilot, †
Sgt H. Aldridge, navigator,
F/O Frederick Douglas Drake, wireless operator and air gunner. †
Crew (487th Squadron):
Sgt Gerald John Abrey, pilot, †
Sgt H. Aldridge, navigator,
F/O Frederick Douglas Drake, wireless operator and air gunner. †
Probable cause:
Pilot error.
