Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

The aeroplane was an Airspeed Oxford MK 1 registered number L4616 operated by the RAF 3 Flight Instructor School (3 FIS) and was being flown on that day from RAF Lulsgate Bottom. (now the site of Bristol Airport). The aircraft was being flown by Flight Lieutenant (FL) Peter Marshall Cadman DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) under the instruction of Flying Officer (FO) Harold Henry Victor Roots. Both pilots were attached to 3 FIS. Some time into the training flight, a fire started in the region of the rear of the port engine nacelle that spread to the port engine and wing. It is believed that FO Roots attempted a crash landing but due to damage to the flaps and control surfaces the aircraft dove into the ground at an angle of 30 degrees. The crash was witnessed by a 16 year old farm boy who went to assist but realised the fate of both pilots.
Thanks to Simon Roots for his testimony.

On approach to RAF Castle Combe, the aircraft stalled, hit an electric pole and crashed short of runway. Both crew members were injured while the aircraft was destroyed.

The crew was involved in a training exercise on behalf of the 1655 MTU. En route, the pilot lost control of the aircraft that disintegrated in flight, dove into the ground and crashed in an open field located 2,5 miles west of Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. All four crew members were killed.
Crew (1655th MTU):
F/Lt A. E. H. Cattle,
F/O G. H. Bowen,
F/Lt M. McIver,
F/O G. G. Halestrap.

The twin engine aircraft left RAF Balderton about 2115LT with the intention of proceeding to Burtonwood via Hooten Park for ferrying parts. At the ETA Hooten Park 2150 dusk had fallen and the visibility was very poor. The pilot was unable to pinpoint himself and accordingly set course to the East, intending to return to Balderton. About five minutes before ETA Balderton, he commenced signalling on the downward identification light. At Marston Moor, the night flying program having concluded at 2210LT, the DREM lighting system was switched off with the exception of the perimeter track lighting and obstruction lighting on high buildings such as hangars, etc. At 2257LT the duty control officer received a telephone message to the effect that an aircraft was circling and flashing SOS. Full Drem lighting, including the outer circle was immediately switched on for any emergency landing. Very soon the airfield was illuminated just to the starboard of the aircraft, then at 4,000 feet. He circled twice to lose height and then proceeded to carry out a normal approach and landing. He was on approach at an IAS of 90 mph and apparently, according to instruments, at an indicated altitude of 500 feet, when the aircraft struck a tree. It immediately descended heavily to the ground and burned, causing major injuries to the three occupants. Weather: cloud 5/10 strato-cumulus up to 2,000 feet, ceiling cloud above 101/0, intermittent rain becoming continuous, visibility four miles.
Source: Norman Malayney.

Crew was performing a training flight when the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances in Shining Tor, East Cheshire. All three crew were killed.

On a training flight, crew lost his orientation and the control of the aircraft that crashed in a prairie. Both occupants were killed.

The pilot was engaged in a solo training mission which included several maneuvers, single engine test and local map reading. While cruising at an altitude of some 400 feet, the aircraft was flying into a valley when a wing hit tree tops. Aircraft stalled and crashed in a wooded and hilly terrain. The pilot was killed and the aircraft was destroyed. Weather conditions were considered as good at the time of the accident.
Crew:
Kenneth Albert Wilson.

While descending to RAF Coleby Grange, the twin engine aircraft hit the slope of Winter Hill, less than 40 feet from the summit. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was seriously injured.
Crew (410th Squadron):
F/Lt Martin Anthony Cybulski.
Source:
http://www.peakdistrictaircrashes.co.uk/pages/pennines/penninesbm837.htm

Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, the crew made a steep turn to the left when the aircraft stalled and crashed in a field. Both pilots were killed. They were performing a training mission.
Crew (1st ATS):
F/Sgt Douglas McDougall,
Marion Young.

An engine failed en route, forcing the crew to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft came to rest in an open field in Llanasa and was damaged beyond repair while both pilots were unhurt.