On 1st December 1942 this 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft was in the process of taking off from Leeming airfield at 16.40hrs when the port inner engine cut out, the aircraft had reached a stage in the take off where there was not enough distance remaining to stop the aircraft so the pilot pulled off the ground. Unfortunately the flying speed wasn't fast enough and it dropped back on to one of the main wheels resulting in the hydraulic jack breaking off. The aircraft remained airborne and the crew attempted to raise the undercarriage but it did not raise. They contacted base and at 16.40hrs landed with the undercarriage down but believing it would collapse. The landing appears to have goone without incident and was successful. The pilot had just been posted to 1659 H.C.U. from 419 Squadron for conversion to fly the Halifax type following 419 Squadron converting from Wellingtons. He later went on to resume his flying with 419 Squadron and was awarded the DFM.
Pilot - Sgt Malcolm Francis Gray RCAF (R/106620).
Crew - Names unknown.
Halifax W1249 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury. It was taken on charge by 78 Squadron at Middleton St. George on 9th August 1942. On 10th / 11th September 1942 it was being flown on an operational flight to Dusseldorf when it was damaged by flak over the target and an engine was made unservicable. Returning to Middleton St.George it was found that the hydraulics were also damaged and the undercarriage would not lower. A belly landing was made which further damaged the aircraft. The damage was initially assessed as being Cat.B/FB but this must have been downgraded to Re-Cat.Ac/FB as it was then repaired on site and was returned to 78 Squadron on 21st November 1942. The aircraft appears to have been unwanted by them as on 25th November 1942 it was transferred to 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit at Leeming. As a result of the damage sustained there on 1st December 1942 Cat.Ac/FA damage was the assessment which only required a repair on site. After repair resumed 1659 H.C.U. service on 6th February 1943. On 22nd October 1944 it was transferred to 1669 H.C.U. at Langar. On 18th December 1944 it was flown to 48 M.U. to be stored. It lasted until 1st November 1945 whch it was struck off charge.
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