Magister L8154 near Gisburn, Settle.

On 3rd November 1940 this aircraft was undertaking a training flight with 5 E.F.T.S. in which the practice of side-slipping, turns and aerobatics were being carried out. Although there is no mention of the airman being lost on the accident record the aircraft was many miles from it's home airfield so it is very likely that the weather was poor and the pilot became lost in bad visibility. The pupil was instructed to make a precautionary landing in a field near Gisburn but the chosen field was surrounded by trees and as the aircraft approached it was clear the aircraft would hit some of these trees. The aircraft's nose was pulled up to avoid a collision but the aircraft stalled and struck the trees and crash landed in the field. While there were no serious injuries to the crew the aircraft was at first deemed too badly damaged to be repaired, the wreckage must then have been re-assessed and was deemed repairable, then it was again assessed and written off.

Pupil Pilot - LAC Michael Frederick Watson RAFVR (1165649). Minor facial injuries.


Magister L8154 was built to contract 706883/37 by Phillips & Powys Ltd. at Woodley and was delivered to 27 MU at Shawbury on 19th May 1938. It remained in storage for sixteen months until being taken on charge by 5 E.F.T.S. at Meir on 25th September 1940. It sustained Cat.R/FA damage at Gisburn in the incident detailed above on 3rd November 1940 and four days later was dismantled and transported by road to Phillips & Powys Ltd. at Woodley for repair. After re-assessment there it was Re-Cat.W and struck off charge on 1st December 1940.

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