Halifax NR278 at Rufforth airfield.
At 20.00hrs on 4th March 1945 this 1663 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft attempted to take off from Rufforth airfield for the crew to undertake a training flight. Unfortunately the pilot had taxied to the end of the wrong runway and had attempted to take off from the wrong runway in rainy conditions. The crew of Halifax MZ561 were awaiting their turn to take off, but at the correct position further around the airfield. As NR278 picked up speed it collided with MZ561. Both aircraft were badly damaged. The pilot of NR278 sustained injuries when he jumped from his aircraft and broke his ankle. MZ561 caught fire and while all the crew were rescued three others received burn injuries.
Pilot - P/O Theo Johan Cornells Varkevisser RAFVR (184980). Injured.
Crew - Names unknown.