Gladiator K7981 at Church Fenton aerodrome.
On 22nd February 1939 this 72 Squadron aeroplane overshot on landing at Church Fenton aerodrome and ran into a ditch. Aeroplanes from Chuch Fenton were still searching from the air for missing Blenheim L1476 that was later found crashed in the Peak District on 12th February 1939. This incident may have occurred on landing following one of the air searches.
Pilot - Name unknown.
Gladiator K7981 was built to contract 442476/35 by Gloster Aircraft Ltd. at Hucclecote and was taken on charge by 87 Squadron at Debden on 7th July 1937. On 23rd August 1938 it was transferred to 72 Squadron at Church Fenton. As a result of the incident there on 22nd February 1939 repairable Cat.R(b)/FA damage was the damage assessment but it appears to have not been repaired because on 6th July 1939 it was converted to Ground Instructional Airframe 1597M at No.6 School of Technical Training at Hednesford.