On 18th February 1943 this 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft lost the tail wheel while in flight. Despite the damage the aircraft landed safely at Riccall airfield at 15.20hrs with only minor damage. It was though that either the aircraft had struck something in flight (through low flying) or the casting had been weakened by prior heavy landings.
Pilot - Sgt Arthur Sidney O'Conner RAFVR (984462).
Halifax R9434 was built to contract 692649/37 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett and was awaiting collection on 20th January 1942. It was initially staken on charge by 76 Squadron at Middleton St.George on 30th January 1942 but it does not appear to have been used on operations. On 27th February 1942 it was transferred to 78 Squadron at Croft and served with them until transferred to 1652 Conversion Unit at Marston Moor on 15th May 1942. As a result of a minor landing accident at Sherburn in Elmet on 27th July 1942 minor repairable damage of Cat.Ac/FA was the assessment and it was repaired there. On completion of the repair on 22nd August 1942 it was transferred to 158 Conversion Flight at Rufforth. On 1st November 1942 158 C.F. was absorbed into 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall but there is no record of this aircraft serving with 1658 H.C.U. on the AM Form 78. It sustained Cat.Ac/FA damage on 4th January 1943 while with 1658 H.C.U. when it collided with another aircraft at Riccall. The damage was repaired on site. The repair was complete on 16th February 1943. On 18th February 1943 it was again slightly damaged ar Riccall to Cat.A/FA status with repairs on site being made. The aircraft was then transferred to 1674 H.C.U. at Longtown on 20th April 1944. On 13th June 1944 it failed a major inspection that saw Cat.E1 damage being the assessment, it was struck off charge on 21st June 1944.
Sgt O'Conner was posted to 10 Squadron on 21st February 1943 and then to Pocklington Base on 27th April 1943.
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