At 22.00hrs on 9th January 1943 this 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft over-ran the airfield perimeter track at Riccall airfield while being taxied in a strong wind and struck one of the airfield's buildings. The aircraft was slightly damaged.
Pilot (Instructor) - S/Ldr Henry Howard Drummond DFM RAFVR (112544).
Pilot (Pupil) - Sgt D P Chalk RAFVR (1331555).
Halifax L9620 was built to contract 692649/37 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett and was allotted to 45 MU on 11th September 1942. It was taken on charge by 76 Squadron at Middleton St.George on 28th October 1941 and where it was coded "MP-O". On 12th May 1942 it was transferred to 76 Conversion Flight which was also at Middleton St.George. This unit then moved to Riccall on 16th September 1942. On 7th October 1942 it was transferred to 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall and carried the code "-M". As a result of the minor damage sustained on 9th January 1943 at Riccall Cat.Ac/FA resulted. It was repaired on site and returned to 1658 H.C.U. use on 18th March 1943. On 5th April 1943 it was in need of a repair on site at Riccall that was carried out by Handley Page. It was returned to 1658 H.C.U. on 14th April 1943. On 7th September 1943 the undercarriage collapsed on landing at Riccall. The damage was initially assessed as being Cat.Ac/FA the following day but a further damage assessment on 15th September 1943 saw the aircraft deemed beyond repair so it was struck off charge. Re.Cat.E damage would have been the damage assessment though this is not written on the aircraft's AM Form 78.
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