Halifax EB133 at Rufforth airfield.
On 26th January 1944 this 1663 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft landed at Rufforth airfield at 11.45hrs following a training flight but overshot Runway 29. Unfortunately a heap of rubble was in the path of the aircraft and both undercarriage legs collapsed, the aircraft then came to rest badly damaged across the Rufforth to Askham Richard road with it's back broken.
Pilot (instructor) - P/O Kingsley Mountney RAFVR (159504).
Pilot (trainee) - Sgt Eric Walter Fox RAFVR (1425185).
Eric Fox was posted to 578 Squadron on 27th February 1944, for service with them he was awarded the DFC in September 1944. The citation states..
"This officer has completed many sorties against a variety of targets. He has displayed great keenness and enthusiasm and by his example and leadership has brought his crew to a high standard of operational efficiency. In August 1944, Flying Officer Fox was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack the Foret de Nieppe. Early on the outward flight the controls became difficult to manipulate. An inspection was made but the fault could not be traced. Flying Officer Fox attempted to gain height but soon afterwards the aircraft became uncontrollable. The starboard wing dropped to an acute angle. The control column was wrenched from the pilot's hands and the wheel swung violently from side to side. He was unable to stop it. At this stage a member of the crew reported that the starboard aileron was vertical and that the port aileron was hanging loosely. Flying Officer Fox ordered his crew to leave by parachute and after they had left he flew the aircraft for a further six minutes before jumping himself. In most trying circumstances this officer displayed great courage and resolution."
Kingsley Mountney had previously served with 102 Squadron, for service with them he was awarded the DFC which was Gazetted on 15th February 1944. He had been posted to 1663 HCU on 15th January 1944.