Oxford BG637 at Acaster Malbis airfield.

During the early hours of 24th July 1942 this No.15 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit aircraft was being flown on a night circuits and landings training exercise at Acaster Malbis airfield. On board was an instructor alongside a traine pilot who was at the controls. During one approach to land at 01.50hrs the aircraft undershot. The instructor told the pupil to apply full power to the engines to attempt to fly an overshoot but it struck parked Oxford BG634 on the airfield boundary. The instructor then reduced power and the pupil landed the aircraft, it then appears to have swung and came to a halt with both undercarriage legs torn off. Both aircraft were wrecked and the two named below sustained minor injuries.

Pilot (Pupil) - Sgt John Norman Williams RAAF (416135). Injured.

Pilot (Instructor) - Sgt Thomas Bell RAFVR (1117209). Injured.

Oxford BG637 was built to contract B.128581/40 by Airspeed Ltd. at Portsmouth and was awaiting collection in June 1942. On 8th July 1941 it was taken on charge by 15 (P)AFU at Leconfield and as a result of the collision at Acaster Malbis on 24th July 1942 Cat.E2/FA damage was the assessment. 15 (P)AFU used Acaster Malbis airfield as a satellite airfield.

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