At 13.00hrs on 9th April 1943 this 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft burst a tyre on take off at Breighton airfield, before the aircraft could be brought to a halt an undercarriage leg collapsed.
Pilot - F/O Charles Robert Gordon Grant RAAF (402571).
Lancaster W4780 was built to contract B.69275/40 by Metropolitan Vickers Ltd. at Trafford Park and was delivered to A.V.Roe and Co. Ltd. at Woodford on 26th September 1942 for assembly and testing. On 14th October 1942 it was taken on charge by 460 Squadron at Breighton but was swiftly transferred to 1656 H.C.U. at Lindholme on 22nd October 1942. On 9th April 1943 Cat.B/FA damage resulted in the mishap at Breighton. On 15th April 1943 it was transported to 24 M.U. at Ternhill for a repair in works. On 30th October 1943 the aircraft is recorded as awaiting collection and on 6th November 1943 it was flown to 20 M.U. at Aston Down. The aircraft was taken on charge by 166 Squadron at Kirmington on 12th December 1943 where it was coded "AS-H2". Unfortunately on 3rd January 1944 the aircraft was lost without trace on Osp to Berlin. Cat.E(m) damage was recorded on the paperwork and the aircraft was struck off charge on 7th January 1944 having clocked up a total of just 34 hours flying time.
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