Halifax DT722 at Snaith airfield.
At 17.35hrs on 13th February 1943 51 Squadron Halifax DT722 caught fire on the ground at Snaith just prior to taking off for an operational flight when incendiary bombs dropped from their container and ignited when they struck the ground. Fuel tanks and a 1000lb bomb later exploded on this aircraft. An electrical fault in the bomb selector switch box caused the incendiary container to accidently release. While this incident was being dealt with Halifax DT724 caught fire when incendiary bombs fell from that aircraft, two of the 1000lb bombs also loaded onto DT724 later exploded but with the area already been cleared there were no injuries and little damage to airfield buildings was sustained.
No Crew.
Halifax DT722 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was taken on charge by 51 Squadron at Snaith on 3rd January 1943. The aircraft was first used operationally by them on 2nd February 1943. As a result of this ground accident on 13th February 1943 Cat.E2/GA Burnt damage was the result of the damage assessment and it was written off. The aircraft was struck off charge on 23rd February 1943.