Bedfordshire

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Douglas A-20 Havoc/DB-7 Boston

Schedule:

Thurleigh - Thurleigh

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On final approach to RAF Thurleigh, the pilot abandoned the landing procedure and attempted a go around. While climbing in a steep angle, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed near the airfield. The pilot, who was performing his first solo flight, was killed.
Crew (51st OTU):
Sgt Leonard James Casey, pilot.

Probable cause:

Pilot error.

Crash of a Douglas DB-7 Boston I at RAF Thurleigh

Date & Time: Nov 9, 1942

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

BJ492

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

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Site:

Douglas A-20 Havoc/DB-7 Boston

Schedule:

Thurleigh - Thurleigh

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The pilot was performing a solo training sortie at RAF Thurleigh. On approach at night, the airplane crashed near the airfield and was destroyed. The pilot was injured.
Crew:
Sgt R. E. Spelman, pilot.

Crash of a Douglas DB-7B Boston III in Clapham: 2 killed

Date & Time: Oct 25, 1942 at 0056 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

BB898

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Armstrong Whitworth AW.38 Whitley

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Twinwood Farm - Twinwood Farm

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The crew departed RAF Twinwood Farm on a local night training exercise. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane went out of control and crashed in Clapham. Both crew members were killed.
Crew:
F/O Peter Francis Smith, pilot,
Sgt Denis Thornhill Edmonds Massey, observer.

Crash of an Armstrong Whitworth AW.38 Whitley V at RAF Tempsford: 1 killed

Date & Time: Oct 22, 1942

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

BD228

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Site:

Landing (descent or approach)

Schedule:

Tempsford - Tempsford

MSN:

2548

YOM:

1942

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The airplane departed RAF Tempsford on a Special Operation (SOE) over Belgium, operation code Lucky Shot 8 and Grantham 1. While returning to base, it crashed upon landing and was destroyed. The pilot was killed and two other crew members including the copilot were injured.
Crew:
P/O Wreford William George Smith, pilot, †
Sgt Lamont, copilot,
F/Sgt Ward, navigator,
P/O Farley,
Sgt Pope,
Sgt Moxon.

Crash of a Bristol 142 Blenheim I at RAF Cranfield

Date & Time: Sep 24, 1942

Type of aircraft:

Bristol 142 Blenheim

Operator:

Registration:

V5382

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Schedule:

Cranfield - Cranfield

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The crew was engaged in a local training mission at RAF Cranfield. Shortly after takeoff, one of the propeller fell off. The crew decided to return to base where the airplane overshot and crashed. Both crew members were rescued, one was injured.
Crew:
P/O Peter Francis Smith, pilot,
Sgt Denis Thornhill Edmonds Massey, observer.

Probable cause:

Loss of a propeller after takeoff.

Crash of a Bristol 142 Blenheim I near Turvey: 1 killed

Date & Time: Aug 31, 1942

Type of aircraft:

Bristol 142 Blenheim

Operator:

Registration:

N3585

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

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Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Cranfield - Cranfield

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The pilot departed RAF Cranfield on a solo training flight. In unknown circumstances, the airplane crashed near Turvey and was destroyed. The pilot was killed.
Crew:
Sgt William Whalley, pilot.

Probable cause:

Controlled flight into terrain.

Crash of a Bristol 142 Blenheim I in Ridgemont: 2 killed

Date & Time: Aug 19, 1942 at 0001 LT

Type of aircraft:

Bristol 142 Blenheim

Operator:

Registration:

L6623

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Armstrong Whitworth AW.38 Whitley

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Cranfield - Cranfield

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The crew departed RAF Cranfield at 0055LT on August 17 on a night training exercise. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane collided with trees and crashed in Ridgemont. Both crew members were killed.
Crew:
F/Sgt Ross MacKenzie Gilmour, pilot,
Sgt William Ian McQuatters, navigator.

Crash of an Armstrong Whitworth AW.38 Whitley V near RAF Tempsford

Date & Time: Jun 23, 1942 at 2305 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

Z9224

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

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