At 01.20hrs on 24th May 1943 this 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft swung on take off from Lindholme airfield which caused the starboard undercarriage leg to collapse. The pilot believed that some form of engine or technical failure may have been to blame for the aircraft entering the swing. Two of the crew sustained injuries.
Pilot - Acting F/Lt Robert Frederick Noden DFM RAFVR (125318).
Pilot - P/O George Albert James Frazer-Hollins RAFVR (127338).
Rest of crew - Names unknown. Two injured.
Lancaster W4776 was built to contract B.69275/40 by Metropolitan Vickers Ltd. at Trafford Park, Manchester and was awaiting collection in September 1942. It was received by A.V.Roe Ltd on 21st September 1942 and was taken on charge by 101 Squadron at Holme on Spalding Moor when they began conversion to Lancasters on 11th October 1942 and was one of the first two they received. The aircraft was then transferred to 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit at Lindholme on 22nd October 1942 because it did not have certain modifications made to it that 101 Squadron needed for them to use it. As a result of the damage sustained on 28th January 1943 Cat.Ac/FA damage was the damage assessment with the repairs beginning on 2nd February 1943 and being complete on 13th February 1943. The aircraft was again slightly damaged at Lindholme on 25th May 1943, with Cat.Ac/FA damage again being the damage assessment. It was again repaired on site at Lindholme and returned to unit on 3rd July 1943. On 27th October 1943 it crashed near Branton, Doncaster while on a training flight which sadly killed it's then crew. Cat.E2/FA Burnt damage was recorded and the aircraft was written off.
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