Whitley Z9201 at Dishforth airfield.
On 11th June 1942 this 51 Squadron was being flown to Dishforth airfield so that instructional wireless equipment could be collected and transported to Chivenor. 51 Squadron were on attachment to Coastal Command and were operating out of Chivenor at the time but had been at Dishforth in Bomber Command. Z9201 was used operationally by 51 Squadron on 29th April 1942 and doesn't appear to have been used during their time at Chivenor so may have been used for such transportation duties. The aircraft appears to have simply landed at too great a speed at Dishforth at 13.30hrs and overshot. It was badly damaged and was not repaired. One of the passengers, LAC Abbott, became trapped in the well near the second pilot's seat and was freed from the aircraft by a party headed by S/Ldr McGowan. His foot was severely injured and was considered for amputation.
Pilot - Sgt Arthur Hugh Steyning Brown RAAF (404867). Injured.
Pilot - Sgt E Brown RCAF (R/87401). Injured.
Observer - Sgt Ronald Smith Fielding RAF (655380).
Wireless Operator - P/O Brian Goodale DFC RAFVR (101042).
Wireless Operator - Sgt Jack Vage Kerr RAFVR (959887).
Air Gunner - Sgt Andrew Arthur Gillies RAF (626033).
Passenger - Sgt Ivor Clarence Handley RAF (566057). Injured.
Passenger - LAC Alfred Victor Abbott RAFVR (952182). Injured.
Whitley Z9201 was built to contract 106962/40 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd. at Baginton and was awaiting collection on 15th September 1941. It was taken on charge by 102 Squadron at Topcliffe the following month. On 15th November 1941 it moved with the unit to Dalton. As a result of flak damage on 9th January 1942 minor Cat.A/FB would have been the assessment and it was almost certainly repaired on site. The following month 102 Squadron began conversion to Halifax MkII's and the aircraft was transferred to 51 Squadron at Dishforth who were still using Whitleys. As stated, 51 Squadron were sent on detachment to Chivenor and appear to have left or loaned the aircraft to one of the Whitley squadrons still here. On 11th June 1942 it crashed after overshooting Dishforth and Cat.E2/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge.