Whitley K8960 at Driffield aerodrome.
On 13th April 1939 this 77 Squadron aeroplane was to have been flown on a low level night bombing training exercise but while being taxied at Driffield aerodrome prior to taking off the port wheel sank into an unmarked hole. Damage to the aeroplane occurred. The hole was later filled in.
Pilot - F/O L Williams.
Whitley K8960 was built to contract 522438/36 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd. at Baginton and was taken on charge by 77 Squadron at Driffield on 5th November 1938. It was damaged at Driffield on 13th April 1939 that saw a Cat.M/FA damage assessment and a repair on site. It was returned to 77 Squadron use and on 9th September 1939 it ran out of fuel on a leaflet raid and was force landed at Sommesous, Oise, France. Cat.M/FA damage resulted and a repair on site was made. It was then flown back to England and was taken on charge by the RAE on 30th October 1939 at Farnborough. On 12th January 1940 it was transferred to 166 Squadron at Abingdon but on 12th March 1940 it stalled off a turn after take off and crashed into the Officers Mess at Abingdon which killed three of the crew and one on the ground. Cat.W/FA damage was the assessment and it was struck off charge.