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RAF Finningley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England -
United Kingdom
Phase:
Approach
Nature:
Military
Departure airport:
RAF Finningley, South Yorkshire
Destination airport:
RAF Finningley, South Yorkshire
Narrative: TD132: Spitfire LF.XVI MSN CBAF IX.4215. Built at CBAF (Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory) with Melin M266 engine. Delivered to 19MU RAF St. Athan, South Glamorgan, Wales 7-3-45. To 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, RAF Turnhouse, Midlothian, Scotland 29-3-45. To 287 Squadron, RAF West Malling, Maidstone, Kent 30-8-45. Reportedly flown by Flight Lieutenant John Jeremy "Johnny" Caulton RNZAF (1920-2015, Service Number NZ 414243) in August-September 1945 (see link #5). Presumed stored and temporarily withdrawn from use from 15-6-46 when 287 Squadron disbanded. To 63 Squadron, RAF North Weald, Essex 7-7-47. To 1 PRFU, Flying Training Command, RAF Finningley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire 22-8-47
Written off (damaged beyond repair) 21-2-49: engine fire on approach to RAF Finningley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The aircraft was on an authorised local flying and aerobatics training sortie when a fire broke out in flight between the fireproof bulkhead behind the engine and the cockpit. The cause of the fire was a fuel leak from a defective non-return fuel valve, which sprayed leaking fuel over the electrical leads.
The fire caused the cockpit to fill with smoke, and the pilot attempted an emergency landing back at base (RAF Finningley). However, with cockpit filled with smoke the aircraft undershot the approach, landing several hundred yards short of the runway at RAF Finningley, and was burnt out by the on-board fire after it came to a halt.
Struck off charge as FACE (Flying Accident Cat. E) 28-3-49. The burnt out remains were given the fire crews at RAF Finningley for further fire practice.