Halifax MZ656 at Topcliffe airfield.
In the early hours of 14th February 1945 this 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft was to have been used to fly a training exercise. As the aircraft was being taxied around Topcliffe airfield on the perimeter track the pilots believed there was a problem with the undercarriage lighting so stopped on the perimeter track. An electrician was explaining to the pilots what they were observing when, at 00.55hrs, Halifax MZ625 taxied into the back of MZ656 very slowly. The pilots of MZ625 had not seen any lighting on MZ656 so did not see the aircraft in the dark until just ten feet from it and could not stop the aircraft in time. Minor damage resulted to both aircraft.
Pilot - WO Alfred Douglas Groome RAFVR (1336242).
Pilot - P/O C R Ensom RCAF (J/92581).