Blenheim L8684 at Church Fenton airfield.
On 2nd March 1942 this 54 Operational Training Unit aircraft landed at base of Church Fenton and the undercarriage collapsed without warning. It was thought that an earlier heavy landing had damaged the undercarriage which had gone un-noticed.
Pilot - S/Ldr Roger de Winton Kelsall Winlaw RAF (72178).
Blenheim L8684 was built to contract 551920/37 by Rootes Securities Ltd. at Speke and was awaiting collection in July 1939 but remained in MU storage until being taken on charge by 229 Squadron at Digby in November 1939 which had reformed the previous month and were equipping with Blenheim MkIf's. Early in 1940 it was transferred to 23 Squadron at Colleyweston before moving to 236 Squadron at Middle Wallop in June 1940 who were detached to Thorney Island in July 1940. On 17th July 1940 F/Lt Richard Warren Denison and P/O Arthur Owen Price were flying L8684 and were engaged in combat with and claimed as damaged a Junkers Ju88. On 4th August 1940 it was being flown by P/O C.B.G.Peacement and Sgt J.Lowe when they were attacked by enemy fighter aircraft off Le Havre, the Blenheim sustained severe damage to the oil system and the crew made an emergency landing at Ford. Cat.R/FB damage was the assessment and it was repaired on site. On completion of the repairs it then remained at Ford and was taken on charge by 23 Squadron who moved into Ford in September 1940. It remained on charge with 23 Squadron at Ford until they ceased operating Blenheim MkIf's in April 1941 and the aircraft was then placed in MU storage. It was taken on charge by 54 OTU at Church Fenton on an unknown date. As a result of the crash at Church Fenton on 2rd March 1942 Cat.E/FA damage was recorded and the aircraft was struck off charge.