Lancaster Mk.I PP757 at Finningley airfield.

On 22nd July 1946 this Bomber Command Instructor School aircraft was flown on a night circuits and landings training exercise at Finningley airfield. While making a three engined landing at 23.20hrs the instructor failed to check the angle of approach and the aircraft flew into the ground. It appears to have then bounced off the undercarriage but instead of attempting to remain in the air and fly an overshoot, the undercarriage was raised and a belly landing was made to the side of runway. The damaged was assessed to be beyond repair and it was struck off charge with Cat.E/FA damage being the damage assessment.

Pilot (Instructor) - F/Lt Bertram Frederick Russell RAFVR (187719).

Pilot (Pupil) - F/O William Thomas Cake RAF (56693).

Two other crew - Names unknown.