ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 21133
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| Date: | Wednesday 27 November 1957 |
| Time: | 16:15 |
| Type: |  English Electric Canberra T Mk 4 |
| Owner/operator: | 13 Sqn RAF |
| Registration: | WJ858 |
| MSN: | 71320 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Location: | RAF Akrotiri -
 Cyprus
|
| Phase: | Standing |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | RAF Akrotiri, (AKT/LCRA) |
| Confidence Rating: |  Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources |
WJ858 was one of four Canberras (the others were WF886, WP514 and WT508) that were destroyed in a hangar fire at Akrotiri, Cyprus on 27/11/1957 following a bomb explosion caused by EOKA guerrillas
The bombs, two of them, were placed inside the engines of two 'Canberra' bomber jets. At about 16.15 the fuel tanks of the planes blew up. In a matter of seconds the flames engulfed the tin-made hangar, which was 130 metres long 20 metres high and housed 4 'Canberra" jets and one Venom.'
The whole structure collapsed and was completely destroyed, together with all the planes and other material, consisting of plane motors and lathes. None of those who carried out this sabotage was ever arrested. This was the most destructive act of its kind in the history of the island and of England. The damage caused was estimated at £4.5 million pounds.
WJ858 was struck off charge on 02/12/1957 as Cat.5(c) as 131 MU Akrotiri, and scrapped after component recovery.
Sources:
Air Britain RAF Aircraft WA100 - WZ999
http://www.ukserials.com/losses-1957.htm
http://web.archive.org/web/20140820102645/http://britains-smallwars.com:80/cyprus/war.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Akrotiri#History
http://web.archive.org/web/20140820102645/http://britains-smallwars.com:80/cyprus/war.html
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 17-Jun-2008 10:23 | JINX | Added |
| 09-Apr-2013 20:08 | Dr. John Smith | Updated [Time, Cn, Departure airport, Source, Narrative] |
| 17-Oct-2013 14:05 | Nepa | Updated [Aircraft type, Operator, Location, Departure airport] |
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