On 22nd August 1942 this 405 Squadron aircraft was in the process of landing at Topcliffe airfield following a test flight when the pilot had the misfortune to suffer from cramp. At 12.05hrs a heavy landing was made and the aircraft came to halt with minor damage but the extent of this was not known when the webpage was created.
Pilot - Sgt Walter Robert Ferrier RCAF (R/77108).
Halifax W7710 was built to contract B.73328/40 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett. It was taken on charge by 405 Squadron on 23rd May 1942 who were based at Pocklington at that time, 405 Squadron moved to Topcliffe on 7th August 1942 and as a result of the minor mishap on 22nd August 1942 Cat.Ac/FA damage was the assessment. It was repaired on site at Topcliffe and returned to 405 Squadron on 20th September 1942. While being flown on an operational flight on 2nd October 1942 it failed to return and the seven crew were reported as killed. Cat.E(m) damage was recorded in the paperwork. The aircraft's AM Form 78 strangly states it was struck off charge on 27th September 1942.