Date & Time:
Apr 8, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Blackburn B-26 Botha
Operator:
Registration:
L6223
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Saint Athan - Saint Athan
MSN:
7866/20
YOM:
1940
Country:
United Kingdom
Region:
Europe
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
1
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The crew departed RAF St Athan on a local test flight. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, one of the engine failed. The airplane lost height and crashed in the Severn estuary. Three crew members were injured and the pilot was killed.
Crew:
F/O Reginald William Sheppard, pilot,
P/O F. W. Gattrell, observer,
LAC E. S. Colbert, wireless operator,
Sgt A. J. Clements, air gunner.
Crew:
F/O Reginald William Sheppard, pilot,
P/O F. W. Gattrell, observer,
LAC E. S. Colbert, wireless operator,
Sgt A. J. Clements, air gunner.
Probable cause:
Engine failure after takeoff.
