Halifax W7781 at Riccall airfield.
On 26th March 1943 this 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft was being taxied around Riccall airfield at 09.45hrs when an undercarriage leg suddenly collapsed damaging the aircraft.
Pilot (Instructor) - P/O Jack Newcombe RAFVR (135399).
Jack Newcombe was posted to 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit from 78 Squadron on 15th January 1943. He was later posted to 76 Squadron. On 12th May 1944 he was flying 76 Squadron Halifax MZ575 on an operational flight to Hasselt, Belgium and was killed.
Halifax W7781 was built to contract B.73328/40 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett. It was taken on charge by 460 Squadron at Breighton on 20th July 1942 when they re-equipped with the Halifax type and it carried their squadron code "UV-F". It was not used operationally by them. On 7th November 1942 it was transferred to 76 Squadron at Linton on Ouse and carried their squadron code "MP-U". It flew seven operational flights before being transferred to 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall on 2nd February 1943. As a result of the mishap on 26th March 1943 Cat.B/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired by Handley Page in their works factory. Once servicable it was flown to 45 MU On 6th August 1943 and was then taken on charge by 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit at Winthorpe on 30th September 1943. It was then transferred to 1662 H.C.U. at Blyton on 2nd December 1943. On 5th February 1944 it crashed on take off from Blyton and was badly damaged. Cat.E2/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge on 15th February 1944.