Halifax III HX316 at Topcliffe airfield.

At 12.00hrs on 24th May 1945 this 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft's engines were being run up on the ground at Topcliffe prior to a flight when the pilot called for the flaps to be tested. When the lever was operated the flap accumulator bottle burst causing minor damage to the aircraft. One member of ground crew sustained a deep cut to his left thumb and was sent to the hospital at Northallerton for treatment. The damage to the aircraft was assessed as being Cat.Ac/GA but never appears to have been repaired because it was struck off charge soon after, possibly being re-assessed with Re-Cat.E damage.

Pilot - F/O Groulx RCAF (J/41824).

Groundcrew - Cpl Belcourt. Injured.

Seven others - Names unknown.