ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 155016
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| Date: | Wednesday 27 November 1957 |
| Time: | 16:15 |
| Type: |  English Electric Canberra PR.7 |
| Owner/operator: | 13 Sqn RAF |
| Registration: | WT508 |
| MSN: | 71365 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Location: | RAF Akrotiri -
 Cyprus
|
| Phase: | Standing |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus (AKT/LCRA) |
| Confidence Rating: |  Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources |
WT508 was one of four Canberras (the others were WF886, WJ858 and WP514) 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.
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
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Apr-2013 17:21 | Dr. John Smith | Added |
| 13-Apr-2013 07:10 | Nepa | Updated [Operator, Location] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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