Spitfire LF.16 SL547 at Catfoss airfield.

On 6th May 1947 the pilot of this Central Gunnery School aircraft was undertaking a training exercise that involved firing underwing rockets at a range target, probably using the ranges off the Skipsea coast. When he released some rockets the aircraft began to vibrate badly. A problem with the hydraulics saw the pressure escape. Normally based at Leconfield which was further away, he attempted to land what was then a disused Catfoss airfield but the throttle became stuck on the approach. During a fast and flapless landing the aircraft landed heavily, the undercarriage appears to have not been locked down and the pilot was thrown forward slightly when it collapsed and then unfortunately struck his head on the gunsight which rendered him unconcious. The aircraft was badly damaged but the pilot survived. He was initially taken to Beverley hospital, then transferred to the RAF hospital at Rauceby, Lincolnshire. The injuries to his face must have been severe as he was admitted to East Grinstead Hospital becoming one of the Guinea Pig Club patients. He was forced to resign his RAF commission in 1951 because of the injuries sustained in this incident at Catfoss. Catfoss airfield technically closed in 1945 and, according to newspaper reports for 1947, was in a derelict state two years later.

Pilot - F/Lt Keith Maurice Base RAF (150597). Injured.