Harvard T.2b KF245 near Eggborough.
On 16th April 1948 this 41 Squadron took off from Church Fenton so that the pilot and passenger could give the aeroplane an air test. What was being tested is not yet known. During the flight the throttle linkage broke causing the pilot to lose control and spun into the ground near Whitley Bridge, Eggborough. The pilot was one of the older members of 41 Squadron at the time and had been with the unit since January 1947. He was a staff pilot and link trainer instructor. The passenger was a member of No.6041 Servicing Echelon and had only been posted to Church Fenton from an apprenticeship at Halton.
Pilot - P.2 Frank Austin Wilkinson RAF (1524016), aged 23. Buried Rake Lane Cemetery, Wallasey, Cheshire (5.C.263).
Passenger / Fitter - AC1 Michael Gaunt RAF (579845), aged 20. buried Lawnswood Cemetery, Adel, Leeds, Yorkshire.