On 2nd December 1942 this 219 Squadron aircraft was attempting to land at Scorton on only one engine when it crashed near New House Farm, half a mile from the runway, at 14.40hrs and caught fire. In March 1999 historians Ken Reast, Albert Pritchard and Eric Barton spoke to local people and, after obtaining permission from the landowner, field walked and also metal detected where the site was said to have been but located absolutely nothing.
Beaufighter X8223 was built to contract B.65570/40 by The Bristol Aeroplane Co.Ltd. at Old Mixon and was awaiting collection in June 1942. It was taken on charge shortly after completion by 219 Squadron at Acklington and moved to Scorton with them on 21st October 1942. As a result of the crash on 2nd December 1942 Cat.E2/FA Burnt damage was the assessment and it was written off.
Pilot - Name unknown. Injured.
Also on 2nd December 1942 a member of ground crew of No.9 Operational Training Unit died in an accident at Thornaby airfield. AC1 George Sydney Bell RAFVR (1093388) was aged 33 and was later buried York Cemetery, Yorkshire. I had initially linked his death with Beaufighter X8223 but this has now been proven to be unconnected.