Halifax DT724 at Snaith airfield.
On 13th February 1943 Halifax DT722 had already caught fire on the ground at Snaith just prior to taking off for an operational flight to Lorient. While this incident was being dealt with 51 Squadron Halifax DT724 caught fire at 18.05hrs when an incendiary bomb container fell from the aircraft due to an electrical fault. 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 DT724 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 10th December 1942. It was first used by them operationally on 7th February 1943. As a result of the damage sustained on 13th February 1943 Cat.E2/GA Burnt damage wrote the aircraft off. The aircraft was struck off charge on 23rd February 1943.