Beaufighter LZ317 at Sherburn in Elmet airfield.

On 4th October 1943 this aircraft was on the approach to land at Sherburn in Elmet airfield while being flown by an ATA pilot, the approach was being made at a steeper angle than normal in a strong wind. At 17.40hrs the aircraft bounced on landing, the port wing then touched the ground and the aircraft ground looped. As it came to a halt a fire developed and it was badly damaged by the fire. The pilot later reported that the port engine had either cut out or would not respond immediately as he applied more power, suggesting he was attempting to overshoot after the first landing bounce. The pilot sustained minor injuries.

Pilot - F/Sgt Frederick William Birks ATA (M.1114). Slightly injured.

Frederick Birks was involved in a take-of mishap at Sherburn on 15th September 1943 involving in Hurricane PJ689 but the damage was only noticed on landing at Silloth airfield when all three propeller blade tips were found to have been sheered off. He was seconded to the ATA between 20th November 1942 and 21st October 1943 when he probably reverted to RAF service. He was probably one Frederick William Birks RAFVR (552483), who later received a commission in the RAFVR on 9th January 1945.

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