Spitfire AD118 at Church Fenton airfield.

This aircraft was on charge with 133 Squadron who were based at Kirton in Lindsey, Lincolnshire. Why it was then landing at Church Fenton on 12th March 1942 is not clear. On the approach to land at Church Fenton at 19.45hrs the undercarriage lever jammed and the undercarriage would not lower, the pilot spent time flying in the general area of the airfield attempting to use the emergency undercarriage system but this did not work. The pilot also made radio contact to ground control at Church Fenton and was given further instructions. As it was getting dark and running out of fuel the pilot resorted to landing at Church Fenton airfield with the undercarriage retracted.

Pilot - Sgt Walter Charles Wicker RCAF (R/74415).