Beaufighter JL546 at Catfoss airfield.
On 29th December 1942 this No.2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit aircraft swung on landing at 04.38hrs, the undercarriage collapsed and damage was sustained to both undercarriages,
the starboard mainplane, fuselage and to both engines. Beaufighter EL262 had crashed at Catfoss less than an hour previously in exactly the same circumstances.
Pilot - Sgt Raymond Arthur Machin RAFVR (1232535). Injured.
Beaufighter JL546 was built to contract B.65570/40 by the Bristol Aeroplane Company Ltd. at Old Mixon and was awaiting collection in November 1942. Later the same month it was taken on charge by 2 (C)O.T.U. at Catfoss and as a result of the damage on 29th December 1942 minor Cat.A(c)/FA damage resulted. It was repaired on site and returned to the unit in early 1943. 2 (C)O.T.U. disbanded on 15th February 1944. The aircraft was then placed in long term MU storage and was struck off charge on 28th June 1946.