On 4th October 1941 the crew of this 4 E.F.T.S. aircraft were undertaking a training flight when the instructor attempted to force land the aircraft due to lack of fuel. On touching down near York Farm, Swinefleet the aircraft overturned. The instructor was admitted to hospital with facial injuries while the pupil broke an arm.
Instructor Pilot - Sgt Thomas Albert Sunderland RAFVR (930037). Facial injuries.
Pupil Pilot - LAC George Frederick Handel RAFVR (1332918). Broken arm.
F/Sgt George Handel was killed on 13th December 1943 while flying with 233 Squadron. He is buried in Lajes War Cemetery, Azores.
This aircraft was built to contract 778402/38 by The De Havilland Aircraft Company Ltd. at Hatfield and was awaiting collection in September 1938.
It was taken on charge by 12 E&RFTS at Prestwick later the same month, on 3rd Septmeber 1939 this unit was re-designated as 12 EFTS. It was transferred
to 20 EFTS at Yeadon in early 1941 and on 20th May 1941 Cat.B/FA damage was sustained as a result of the incident recorded above. It was dismantled and
transported by road for repair, upon completion of the repair it was taken on charge by 4 EFTS at Brough. It sustained repairable damage as a result of this accident on 4th October 1941 near Swinefleet but this incident does not feature in the published Air Britain history of the aircraft. After repair the aircraft was transferred to 297 Squadron
22nd January 1942 based at Netheravon in connection with glider pilot training. After a short spell with 296 Squadron also at Netheravon on similar duties
it was transferred on 12th August 1942 to GPEU also at Netheravon when the unit formed. In late 1942 the aircraft was transferred to 29 EFTS at Clyffe Pypard.
In 1943 it saw service with 3 EFTS at Shellingford and in 1944 it was on the books of 7 FTS at Peterborough. It's last RAF unit was on the Station Flight at
Benson before it was placed into long term MU storage. The RAF sold it 15th August 1950 and on 2nd September 1950 it was registered on the civilian register
as G-AMDR to Hampshire & Sussex Aviation Ltd. at Portsmouth. On 9th October 1950 it was sold to an overseas owner and registered as F-OAIQ. From this date
nothing more of the aircraft's history is known.
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