Whitley K8968 at Finningley aerodrome.
On 23rd March 1939 this 7 Squadron aeroplane was being flown on a night training flight that included making night-time landings with wartime landing conditions being observed at Finningley aerodrome. This saw many of the night lights that were used in non-normal flying conditions being turned off or reduced. In blackout conditions and during the second circuit of the aerodrome the aeroplane was on the approach to land with no landing lamps being used, the pilot mistook an obstruction light for that of a red light on a floodlight. The aeroplane undershot and struck a tree on the edge of the aerodrome.
Pilot (at the time of the incident) - P/O Thomas Edward Sanders RAF (39686).
Captain (Safety Pilot) - Sgt Reginald Charles Harbourne RAF (314839).