Halifax DT585 at Riccall airfield.
During the evening of 27th September 1943 this 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft was to have been flown on a training flight. On board was an instructor with a pupil and possibly his own crew. The aircraft took off from Riccall airfield just before 20.00hrs with the pupil at the controls. After leaving the ground the pupil lifted the flaps too early and also did not raise the undercarriage correctly. Realising the pupil was loosing control the instructor took over and recovered the aircraft but it struck a tree. The instructor managed to remain in control and made a safe landing at Riccall.
Pilot (pupil) - Sgt Roy Edgar Crockett RAFVR (1391008).
Pilot (instructor) - F/Lt James Arnold Harrison DFC RNZAF (NZ.404870).