Date:	Thursday 28 October 1948
Time:	day
Type:	Vickers Wellington T Mk X
Owner/operator:	2 ANS RAF
Registration:	RP558
MSN:
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4
Aircraft damage:	Destroyed
Location:	RAF Manston, Ramsgate, Kent, England -   United Kingdom
Phase:	Approach
Nature:	Military
Departure airport:	RAF Topcliffe, North Yorkshire
Destination airport:	RAF Manston, Kent

Narrative:
Vickers Wellington RP558 (Air Navigation School): Written off (damaged beyond repair) 28/10/1948 when the aircraft made a successful belly landing at RAF Manston

The aircraft had been airborne for approximately three-and-a-half hours, engaged on a cross country navigation training exercise (RAF Topcliffe-RAF Manston-RAF Topcliffe) when there was an engine failure in flight - the No.12 cylinder in the port engine blew out.

The pilot was unable to maintain altitude on one engine, and therefore opted to make a successful belly landing at RAF Manston, Kent.

In addition to the problem with the port engine, the aircraft also suffered from R/T failure, and turbulent weather conditions made flying on one engine difficult.

The pilot of Wellington RP558, Pilot II Clifford, received a commendation, in the form of a "Green Endorsement" in his flying log book for his handling on the situation.

1. Halley, James (1999). Broken Wings – Post-War Royal Air Force Accidents. Tunbridge Wells: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd ISBN 0-85130-290-4.
2. Final Landings: A Summary of RAF Aircraft and Combat Losses 1946 to 1949 by Colin Cummings p.442
3. 2 ANS RAF ORB for the period 1-4-1948 to 31-12-1950: National Archives (PRO Kew) File AIR 29/1780: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4101490
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Manston#History

Date/time	Contributor	Updates
13-Apr-2023 16:25	Dr. John Smith	Added
18-May-2023 16:19	Nepa	Updated