Halifax W1112 at Topcliffe airfield.
During the afternoon of 25th January 1944 this 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft was flown on a height test but during the flight the pilot's escape hatch opened and broke off. As it broke away it damaged perspex, the wireless aerial and the tail of the aircraft. The pilot remained in control and landed safely at around 15.00hrs.
One member of the crew was injured.
Pilot - F/O Edward John Alberts RCAF (J/17224)