Beaufighter T5283 at Catfoss airfield.

On 23rd January 1943 this trainee pilot of this 2 (C)O.T.U. aircraft lost control on take off from Catfoss causing the aircraft to swing violently to starboard, the aircraft struck a concrete mixer on the perimeter track, crashed and the wreckage caught fire. It is believed that the pilot escaped from the burning aircraft.

Beaufighter T5283 was built to contract B.41906/39 by Fairey Aviation Ltd. at Heaton Chapel, Stockport and was awaiting collection in December 1942. It was taken on charge by 2 (C)O.T.U. at Catfoss as new shortly after completion and as a result of the crash on 23rd January 1943 it was written off with Cat.E2/FA Burnt damage being the damage assessment.

Pilot - Name unknown.

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