Whitley K8952 near Elmswell.
During the afternoon of Monday, 20th February 1939 this 77 Squadron aeroplane was to have been flown on a low level bombing training exercise. Soon after taking off from Driffield aerodrome it did not climb away normally and a short time later flew into a hedge on Elmswell Wold, around a mile north-east of the aerodrome. It then crossed a ploughed field on the west side of Spellowgate Road and the cockpit area immediately caught fire. The two pilots were pulled clear by other members of the crew but sustained injuries. At least one of the pilots was not strapped in. The fire then gutted the fuselage. It was later thought that a fuel tank in the underside of the fuselage was the cause of the cockpit fire and it was recommended to cease the use of them. Why it failed to climb after taking off is not clear. Two members of the crew (Wynton and Lyne) were from 51 Squadron based at Linton on Ouse but must have been at Driffield for flying training.
Pilot - F/O Wilfred Ernest Casley RAF (34229). Injured.
Second Pilot - Sgt John Herbert Phillip Wynton RAF (511121). Injured.
Observer? - Cpl Greenhaigh.
Wireless Operator - AC2 Albert William George Lyne RAF (531756).
Air Gunner? - AC Anderson.
Whitley K8952 was built to contract 522438/36 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd. at Baginton and was initially allotted to 102 Squadron on 12th September 1938. It was then taken on charge by 102 Squadron at Driffield on 6th October 1938. On 5th December 1938 it was transferred to 77 Squadron at Driffield. It crashed near the airfield on 20th February 1939. Cat.W/FA Burnt damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge having clocked up a total of 65 hours flying time from new.