Halifax W1102 at Burn airfield.
At 15.55hrs on 3rd February 1944 this 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft was about to be ferried back to Marston Moor airfield from Burn airfield where the unit had been operating. As the aircraft picked up speed on the runway the tail lifted into the air without any input from the pilot, realising a problem the pilot reduced power to try and stop the aircraft but it overshot the end of the runway. Given the aircraft was later written off I presume that the undercarriage collapsed. It was found that an elevator control rod broke resulting in the elevator no working correctly.
Pilot - F/O George Frederick Turner DFC RAFVR (125593). Instructor.
On 7th January 1944 George Turner was awarded the DFC for service with 76 Squadron, the citation for his award reads.. "This Officer has completed very many sorties, including three attacks on Berlin and others against heavily defended areas in the Ruhr. He has invariably pressed home his attacks with great determination, often in the face of heavy opposition. Flight Lieutenant Turner has displayed great skill and courage and his achievements have
been highly commendable." He was also posted from 76 Squadron to 1652 H.C.U. on 9th January 1944.