On 27th February 1916 this aircraft was badly damaged as the result of a force-landing near Lackenby whilst on its acceptance flight at RNAS Redcar. It suffered damaged to it's wings and undercarriage and after assessment Cat.R/FA damage was recorded. The photograph above shows BE2c 1139 in a damaged state which is believed to have been the incident at Lackenby. From here it was dismantled, taken to Redcar, repaired and returned to service. It was again damaged on 1st April 1916 but this time more seriously and Cat.W/FA was recorded after assessment following the crash at Redcar. The aircraft was deemed beyond economic repair on 14th April 1916 and written off.
Having been made by Blackburns of Roundhay, Leeds this aircraft was delivered to RNAS Killingholme on 15th September 1915 and accepted there on 1st October 1915 before being transferred to Redcar the day of its accident at Lackenby in February 1916.
Pilot - Flight Sub-Lieut Norman Reginald Davenport RNAS. Of New Zealand.
Norman Davenport gained his Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificate (Cert.No.2096) at the Grahame-White Flying School, Hendon on 25th November 1915. He survived WW1 and returned to New Zealand.
I thank Ms Lucy Cooper for the photograph of the damaged aircraft shown above which was found in her grandfather's photograph album of his days in the RNAS.