Crash of a Vickers 406 Wellington II near Wythall: 4 killed
Date & Time:
Jan 9, 1942 at 0915 LT
Operator:
Registration:
W5356
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Binbrook - Binbrook
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
The airplane departed RAF Binbrook at 0438LT on an operation to Cherbourg. While returning to base in the morning, an engine overheated and a second lost power. The pilot decided to attempt an emergency landing when the airplane crash landed in an open field located near Wythall, bursting into flames. Three crew members were killed and three others were injured. One of the survivor died two days later from injuries sustained.
Crew:
Sgt Douglas Butterworth, pilot, †
P/O Alan William Breck, copilot,
P/O Wilfred Henry Burnham, observer, †
Sgt Charles Edward Morrey, wireless operator, †
Sgt Brian Franklin, wireless operator, †
Sgt Horace Bernard Cable, air gunner.
Crew:
Sgt Douglas Butterworth, pilot, †
P/O Alan William Breck, copilot,
P/O Wilfred Henry Burnham, observer, †
Sgt Charles Edward Morrey, wireless operator, †
Sgt Brian Franklin, wireless operator, †
Sgt Horace Bernard Cable, air gunner.
Probable cause:
Engine failure and fire.
