Lysander V9428 in Riccall / Stillingfleet area.
On 16th July 1941 two 613 Squadron Lysanders were being flown from York (Clifton) to Doncaster airfield and were flying in formation. During the flight the aircraft, Lysander V9428 and V9424, collided and this caused the controls of Lysander V9428 to lock. The pilot made a crash landing around five miles north of Selby and while the aircraft was extensively damaged those on board escaped injury.
Pilot - F/O Paterson.
Air Gunner - Name unknown.
Lysander V9428 was built to contract B.54504/39 by Westland Aircraft Ltd. at Yeovil. There are a number of dates not listed in the published history, one being while the 613 Squadron records clearly list V9428 as being with them it does not feature in the published Air Britain history. The damage sustained in July 1941 would have been enough to warrant a repair in works and the only company contracted to repair Lysanders at that time were Airwork General Trading Ltd. On completion of the repair it was placed in long term MU storage. It was next taken on charge by 161 (S.D.) Squadron at Newmarket on or around 15th February 1942 when the unit formed. It appears to have carried their squadron code "MA-C" and flew it's first operation sortie on 27th February 1942. It is recorded as having flown eight operational flights between 27th February and 24th August 1942 but it may have flown more as the airframe numbers were not always recorded in their records. Lysander "MA-C" was flown by 161 Squadron on 26th January 1943 and this was probably it's last flight with them. It appears to have been placed into MU store prior to being struck off charge on 8th July 1944.