Halifax DT485 at Rufforth airfield.
On the evening of 16th February 1943 this 158 Squadron aircraft was to have flown an operational flight to Lorient. As the aircraft picked up speed on the runway at Rufforth at 18.40hrs the port outer engine lost power immediately after leaving the ground. Realising the problem the pilot reduced power to the starboard engines, swung the aircraft off the line of the runway in use and landed. On touching down he cut the power to the engines and managed to avoid running into the station HQ and other office buildings and MT vehicles. Minor damage resulted to the aircraft but what could have been a much more serious incident was avoided.
Pilot - F/Lt Kenneth Harper Reynolds RAF (47361).