Peak District

The identity of the aircraft and its pilot are a mystery, and probably will now remain so for ever, the small amount that is known was reported in the Buxton … Continue reading “1918-12-04|Avro Biplane||RAF|Nr Buxton, Derbyshire”

For sometime there has been a report of a late 1st World War biplane crash near Torside Reservoir, this it would now seem possibly did not happen, though an aircraft … Continue reading “1919-10-17|DH.9||RAF|Torside, Derbyshire”

The pilot of the aircraft had originally taken off from Shotwick Aerodrome (later re-named RAF Sealand) near Chester he was forced to land at Fairfield Common on the north eastern … Continue reading “1922-07-14|Avro 504|E9431|No.5 FTS, RAF|Earl Sterndale, Derbyshire”

Arrangements had been made for an aircraft from the Lancashire Aero Club, which at that time was at Woodford aerodrome, to fly Mr Browning (a member of the Club) and … Continue reading “1928-03-25|Avian|G-EBVZ|Civil|Stalybridge, Greater Manchester”

The aircraft was one of the last 30 Bristol Fighters to be built, all 30 being the dual control trainer version, on this occasion the pilot was flying the aircraft … Continue reading “1928-07-16|Bristol Fighter Mk.III|J8432|No.8 AC Flt, RAF|Matlock, Derbyshire”

DH60M G-AAJX was owned by National Flying Services at Hanworth Park in West London. On the 14th May 1931 it was being flown to Stanley Park airfield at Blackpool by … Continue reading “1931-05-14|DH-60M Moth|G-AAJX|National Flying Services Ltd|Matley, Hyde”

The pilot had attempted to land the aircraft in a long field running uphill, though possibly touched down late, the aircraft had not slowed much by the time it came … Continue reading “1933-11-30|Desoutter|G-AAPZ|National Flying Services|Meerbrook, Leek”

For many years it had been thought that a much earlier aircraft had come to grief on Burbage Edge, this being a DH-10 but this has now been proved not … Continue reading “1934-10-11|DH60X Moth|G-EBWA|Civil|Burbage Edge, Buxton”

The 24 year old owner, and pilot, of the aircraft was flying from Southampton to Barton Aerodrome near Manchester when he encountered thick fog. While flying in these low visibility … Continue reading “1934-11-23|DH80A Puss Moth|G-AAZN|Civil|Bradnop, Leek”

The aircraft dived into the ground shortly after being abandoned by its pilot who had become lost in cloud. He had been part of a formation of Bulldog aircraft from … Continue reading “1934-11-26|Bulldog T.M.|K3939|No.3 FTS, RAF|Onecote, Leek”

The pilot of the aircraft was on a solo training flight from RAF Grantham when the aircraft’s Jupiter engine failed. LAC Maurice-Gwillyn attempted to force land in a field on … Continue reading “1936-01-04|Bulldog T.M.|K3936|No.3 FTS, RAF|Butterton, Leek”

On the 22nd July 1937 the 6 man crew of Heyford K6875 were briefed to carry out a night cross country exercise from RAF Leconfield in east Yorkshire, the weather … Continue reading “1937-07-22|Heyford Mk.III|K6875|No.166 Sqn, RAF|Broadlee Bank Tor, Edale”

The pilot of the aircraft, a member of the RAF Volunteer Reserve, was on a cross country exercise from Barton aerodrome via Brough in East Yorkshire and Tollerton in Nottinghamshire. … Continue reading “1938-07-18|DH60M Moth|K1112|No.17 EFTS, RAF|Buxton, Derbyshire”

The crew had taken off from Church Fenton to carryout a local flying exercise, both of the crew where fairly new to the Squadron and Church Fenton so were familiarising … Continue reading “1939-01-30|Blenheim Mk.I|L1476|No.64 Sqn, RAF|Sykes Moor, Bleaklow”

No.28 EFTS was one of several in the UK prior to the Second World War which was tasked with maintaining the proficiency of the RAF Volunteer Reserve, they were largely … Continue reading “1939-05-23|Hart Mk.I|K3864|No.28 EFTS, RAF|Nr Ruston Spencer”

On the 25th January 1940 Sub Lt Williamson took off from RAF Silloth in Cumbria along with three other aircraft to ferry P4223 from No.22 Maintenance Unit to Royal Naval … Continue reading “1940-01-25|Swordfish Mk.I|P4223|No.751 Sqn, RN|Heydon Head, Derbyshire”

While flying from Duxford to Kirkbride the pilot became lost and low on fuel, this is despite the fact that he had actually flown less than half way to Kirkbride, … Continue reading “1940-05-07|Tutor|K3308|Duxford Stn Flt, RAF|Edale, Derbyshire”

The crew of L4055 had taken off from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire on at 21:00 on the 22nd May to carry out an attack on Munchen Gladbach. They had been … Continue reading “1940-05-23|Hampden Mk.I|L4055|No.83 Sqn, RAF|Holmfirth, West Yorkshire”

The pilot was on an afternoon training flight from RAF Burnaston on the edge of Derby. He became disorientated in poor weather and realising that he was in the vicinity … Continue reading “1940-07-31|Magister Mk.I|N3811|No.16 EFTS, RAF|Darley Dale, Derbyshire”

On the 4th September LAC Coogan, a member of the RAFVR who was from Hobart in Tasmania, was to carry out solo aerobatics from Meir near Stoke-on-Trent, his flight was … Continue reading “1940-09-04|Magister Mk.I|L8258|No.5 EFTS, RAF|Cheddleton, Leek”

The pilot, Flight Sergeant Lloyd was on combat air patrol, from Ringway, his unit was normally stationed at Boscombe Down but there was a detached flight at Ringway for the … Continue reading “1940-09-05|Spitfire Mk.I|P9563|No.64 Sqn, RAF|Hartington, Derbyshire”

At close to 20:30 on the 30th September 1940 Hampden L4189 left RAF Finningley near Doncaster for a night navigation exercise, the weather that night consisted of 10/10ths low cloud.  … Continue reading “1940-09-30|Hampden Mk.I|L4189|No.106 Sqn, RAF|Black Edge, Buxton”

The pilot of the aircraft was on a solo cross country navigation exercise from RAF Ternhill near Market Drayton in Shropshire when he became lost in low cloud and flew … Continue reading “1940-11-14|Anson Mk.I|N9858|No.10 FTS, RAF|Wildboarclough, Macclesfield”

The pilot took off from Sywell near Northampton in good weather conditions bound for Firbeck in South Yorkshire between Worksop and Rotherham where No.613 Squadron were based at the time … Continue reading “1940-11-15|Lysander Mk.II|P1693|No.613 Sqn, RAF|Ashgate, Chesterfield”

The pilot was on a cross country navigation flight from Andover to Desford near Leicester and back to Andover when he became lost in poor visibility, he had wandered some … Continue reading “1940-11-17|Blenheim Mk.I|L6800|No.2 SoAC, RAF|Monyash, Derbyshire”

The aircraft was being ferried from No.12 MU at RAF Kirkbride near Carlisle, an aircraft storage depot at the time, to RAF West Malling in Kent by an RAF pilot … Continue reading “1940-11-17|Spitfire Mk.IIA|P7593|No.4 FPP, ATA|Upper Hulme, Leek”

Thomas Brocklebank was only a few hours into his elementary flying training and was on an early solo flight in the local area around Meir when he became lost in … Continue reading “1940-11-26|Magister Mk.I|P2427|No.5 EFTS, RAF|Nr Leek, Staffordshire”

While returning from operations against Koln, the crew flew into extensive low cloud which prevented them from landing at their home station of Swanton Morley in Norfolk. The crew flew … Continue reading “1940-11-27|Blenheim Mk.IV|T1884|No.105 Sqn, RAF|Harrop Edge, Matley”

The crew of the aircraft were on a night cross country navigation exercise from RAF Finningley near Doncaster when the aircraft flew into the southern side of Rushup Edge above … Continue reading “1940-12-21|Hampden Mk.I|X3154|No.106 Sqn, RAF|Rushup Edge, Derbyshire”

The crew were on a night cross country navigation flight from Catfoss in Yorkshire when the aircraft flew into Burbage Moor near Ringinglow. The aircraft was recorded as having strayed … Continue reading “1941-01-26|Blenheim Mk.IV|Z5746|No.2 OTU, RAF|Ox Stones, Ringinglow”

The aircraft from 149 Squadron, piloted by Sgt Turner, had taken part in a raid against the German city of Breman, home of Mercedes Benz, during the night of the … Continue reading “1941-02-12|Wellington Mk.IC|L7811|No.149 Sqn, RAF|Conksbury Bridge, Bakewell”

While on a navigation training flight from Cranage near Holmes Chapel the pilot encountered cloud, he attempted to fly out of the cloud but the weather conditions were rapidly decreasing, … Continue reading “1941-02-17|Anson Mk.I|K6283|No.2 SoAN, RAF|Bradnop, Leek”

The pilot was on a cross country training flight from Ternhill in Shropshire when the aircraft struck high ground in the Outseats area above Hathersage while flying in low cloud. … Continue reading “1941-03-25|Master Mk.I|T8324|No.5 FTS, RAF|Nr Hathersage, Derbyshire”

The pilot was on Local Flying Practice from RAF Ternhill when he became lost after carrying out a series of steep turns and entered poor weather. He carried out a … Continue reading “1941-03-26|Master Mk.I|N7870|No.5 FTS, RAF|Youlgreave, Bakewell”

Pilot Officer Fournier was killed during operational flying on the 29th August 1941 while flying with No.49 Sqn. The aircraft he was flying, Hampden Mk.I AE126 was shot down by … Continue reading “1941-03-31|Anson Mk.I|N9912|No.25 OTU, RAF|Whitwell Moor, Stocksbridge”

The two crew were carrying out a night air test from Cranage near Middlewich in Cheshire. The radio receiver suffered a partial failure which prevented the two crew from communicating … Continue reading “1941-04-12|Defiant Mk.I|N1766|No.96 Sqn, RAF|Rowlee Pasture, Derwent Valley”

Sergeant Verney-Cave had left RAF Hendon in North London at 10:25am and flew to Baginton near Coventry, where he landed at 11:10. He was joined by Drees, a professional photographer … Continue reading “1941-04-15|Reliant Mk.I|W7982|No.1 CU, RAF|Brassington, Ashbourne”

The aircraft had been taking part in a raid against the Trafford Park area. It had been flying at an altitude of 14000 feet also at that height was an … Continue reading “1941-05-07|He111|2871 / G1+LH|KG55, Luftwaffe|Hazel Grove, Stockport”

The aircraft, from KG 76, was one of a number of aircraft tasked with bombing Liverpool on the night of the 7th / 8th May 1941. The aircraft was being flown by … Continue reading “1941-05-07|Ju88A-5|6213 / F1+AD|3/KG76, Luftwaffe|Roach End, Leek”

Cpl Branton was on a solo cross-country training flight from RAF Shawbury near Shrewsbury, he had been briefed to fly a tri-angular course and then carry out some single-engine flying … Continue reading “1941-05-22|Oxford Mk.I|N4641|No.11 FTS, RAF|Nr Tissington, Derbyshire”

The pilot was carrying out dual instruction from RAF Meir on the edge of Stoke on Trent with an un-named pupil when they encountered poor weather and decided to force … Continue reading “1941-05-24|Magister Mk.I|L6909|No.5 EFTS, RAF|Calton, Ashbourne”

Sgt Plotek was flying to aircraft from RAF Digby in Lincolnshire to Ringway, he was accompanied by three personnel from Digby who were visiting Manchester on leave, and flew into … Continue reading “1941-07-03|Blenheim Mk.IV|Z5870|No.12 Group AAC Flt, RAF|Crowden Tower, Edale”

No.150 Squadron, which in the summer of 1941 had recently moved to RAF Snaith in Yorkshire, was ordered to provide 8 Wellington aircraft for a planned raid against the German … Continue reading “1941-07-31|Wellington Mk.IC|W5719|No.150 Sqn, RAF|Upper Tor, Edale”

LAC Chadwick died of his injuries on the 24th August 1941. The aircraft was on an anti-aircraft co-operation exercise from Ringway (Manchester) to Rhyl in North Wales, the aircraft’s gyro-compass … Continue reading “1941-08-18|Lysander Mk.IIIA|V9403|No.6 AACU, RAF|Slate Pit Moss, Oldham”

The pilot was on a training flight from RAF Burnaston near Derby when he became lost and force landed the aircraft near to Chapel-en-le-Frith. However the aircraft struck a tree … Continue reading “1941-08-27|Magister Mk.I|L6908|No.16 EFTS, RAF|Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire”

The exact reason for the flight is uncertain, N3378 was assigned to No.255 Squadron at RAF Hibaldstow in Lincolnshire but it had been to RAF Turnhouse at Edinburgh. Onboard were … Continue reading “1941-08-29|Defiant Mk.I|N3378|No.255 Sqn, RAF|Bleaklow Stones, Bleaklow”

The pilot was carrying out a solo cross country navigation flight from the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell, he had flown above cloud cover and while descending back down … Continue reading “1941-09-02|Oxford Mk.I|V3210|RAFC, RAF|Nr Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire”

Until the spring of 2005 we had thought that the crash site had been located on the eastern side of Shining Tor, this however was wrong. We were able to … Continue reading “1941-10-16|Defiant Mk.I|T3921|No.96 Sqn, RAF|Nr Buxton, Derbyshire”

The pilot had become disorientated in poor weather and had probably descended to determine his position when the aircraft crashed and was destroyed by fire.

The pilot had wandered into the high ground around Buxton after becoming disorientated in poor weather.  He pulled up sharply to avoid striking a hill and lost control of the … Continue reading “1941-11-17|Spitfire Mk.IIA|P7560|No.131 Sqn, RAF|Nr Buxton, Derbyshire”

Pilot Officer Saunders was carrying out a flight test of T9823 from Burnaston near Derby, additionally he was to fly a to Wolverhampton to collect spare parts for the aircraft … Continue reading “1941-12-05|Magister Mk.I|T9823|No.16 EFTS, RAF|Atlow, Ashbourne”

The aircraft was lost whilst on a ferry flight from Blackburn’s factory at Sherburn-in-Elmet near Leeds to Harwarden near Chester.  The pilot was attempting to fly above the cloud which … Continue reading “1941-12-10|Botha Mk.I|W5103|No.7 FPP, RAF|Round Hill, Bleaklow”

The crew of AE381 were on a training flight from Skellingthorpe near Lincoln in weather not fit for flying, with high winds and blinding snow.  After becoming lost on a … Continue reading “1942-01-21|Hampden Mk.I|AE381|No.50 Sqn, RAF|Cluther Rocks, Kinder”

On the 6th February crews from No.12 Squadron at RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire were tasked with bombing the French port of Brest, among them was the crew of Z8491, a … Continue reading “1942-02-06|Wellington Mk.II|Z8491|No.12 Sqn, RAF|White Edge Moor, Totley”

The aircraft was being used for delivering spares to an unrecorded destination, No.3 A.D. Flt being based at Hawarden, when the pilot became lost in bad weather and decided to … Continue reading “1942-05-14|Master Mk.III|W8455|No.3 ADF, RAF|Lyme Green, Macclesfield”

The crew where on a night cross country flight from Feltwell when according the accident card they had flown into un-forecast bad weather and while trying to descend through the … Continue reading “1942-05-22|Wellington Mk.III|Z1566|No.75 Sqn, RNZAF|Grindon, Leek”

The aircraft was being used to provide night anti-aircraft co-operation with ground units at Rhyl and had taken off from Sealand near Chester. While returning from the Rhyl area to … Continue reading “1942-05-30|Lysander Mk.IIIA|V9729|No.6 AACU, RAF|Cronkstone, Buxton”

It while on a cross country navigation flight from RAF Oakington in Cambridgeshire that the aircraft flew into high ground at Merrytown Low to the east of Leek a short … Continue reading “1942-07-13|Stirling Mk.I|N6075|No.101 Sqn Con. Flt, RAF|Merryton Low, Leek”

Some members of the crew were to lose there lives in latter service. They were: Sergeant Thomas Frank Thompson (First Officer at time of death) was killed on the 17th … Continue reading “1942-07-17|Wellington Mk.IC|Z8980|No.27 OTU, RAF|Rud Hill, Sheffield”

LAC Gowkowski was on a cross country flight from RAF Newton near Nottingham. His aircraft was seen circling around the Mottram area before the aircraft struck a high tension cable … Continue reading “1942-07-19|Master Mk.III|W8474|No.16 FTS, RAF|Mottram, Hyde”

The crew had been returning to Cranage but had mistaken one of the navigation beacons so instead of flying towards the airfield flew away from it towards the high ground … Continue reading “1942-10-15|Anson Mk.I|L7968|CNS, RAF|Moss Ridge, Buxton”

The pilot was on a training flight with the purpose of practicing forced landing approaches, however while conducting this he became lost on bad weather and found himself having to … Continue reading “1942-10-17|Master Mk.III|W8560|No.5 FTS, RAF|Bollington, Cheshire”

At about 16:50 on the 20th November 1942 Wellington Mk.III Z1744 flew into the ground above Upper Hulme.  It is reported that prior to this the aircraft had be the … Continue reading “1942-11-20|Wellington Mk.III|Z1744|No.27 OTU, RAF|Upper Hulme, Leek”

The weather on the 9th December 1942 was typical for that time of year, low cloud, strong winds and rain, it was into this inhospitable climate that the crew of … Continue reading “1942-12-09|Wellington Mk.IC|DV810|No.21 OTU, RAF|Broomhead Moor, Bradfield”

The aircraft was being ferried from Sherburn in Elmet, between Leeds and Selby, to No.5 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit at RAF Ternhill near Market Drayton in Shropshire. The pilot encountered … Continue reading “1943-01-15|Master Mk.III|W8840|No.7 FPP, ATA|Bottom House, Leek”

The crew were detailed to attack the French port of Lorient, taking off at 16:51 with a bomb load of 3,240lb of indendiary bombs in nine 360lb clusters. While returning … Continue reading “1943-01-26|Wellington Mk.III|X3348|No.427 Sqn, RCAF|Blackden Edge, Kinder”

The crew were one of seven from No.28 OTU taking part in a Bullseye exercise from Wymeswold and the unit’s satellite airfield of Castle Donington (which is now in use … Continue reading “1943-01-30|Wellington Mk.IC|R1011|No.28 OTU, RAF|Birchen Bank Moss, Bleaklow”

The crew were taking part in Bullseye exercise from RAF Church Broughton, near Derby. The exercise involved aircraft from both No.27 and No.28 Operational Training Units, with all the aircraft … Continue reading “1943-01-30|Wellington Mk.III|X3941|No.27 OTU, RAF|Nr Darley Dale, Matlock”

The aircraft took off during the mid-morning of the 15th February 1943 from Wellesbourne Mountford near Stratford upon Avon for a cross country flight.  At just after 13:00 the aircraft … Continue reading “1943-02-15|Wellington Mk.III|HF613|No.22 OTU, RAF|Nr Hope, Derbyshire”

At about 14:40 on the 19th February 1943 F/O Bray took off from Ashbourne for a local training flight, with him were an unknown number of aircrew / passengers (possibly … Continue reading “1943-02-19|Oxford Mk.I|DF485|No.42 OTU, RAF|Hope, Derbyshire”

On the 3rd March 1943 Sgt George McIlraith of the Royal New Zealand Air Force took off on a night cross country flight from Ossington near Newark on Trent. At … Continue reading “1943-03-03|Oxford Mk.I|BG197|No.14 (P)AFU, RAF|Nr Matlock, Derbyshire”

The aircraft was being use for formation flying practice from RAF Newton near Nottingham with the pupil leading the formation. They encountered poor visibility and became separated from the rest … Continue reading “1943-03-21|Master Mk.III|W8761|No.16 FTS, RAF|Camp Hill, Tideswell”

The crew was on a night navigation exercise from Ashbourne, having completed most of the exercise they were heading in a southerly direction at low level when the aircraft struck … Continue reading “1943-04-07|Blenheim Mk.IV|V6078|No.42 OTU, RAF|Spitewinter, Matlock”

The crew of DF611 took off from Seighford for an infrared bombing exercise at 04:50, a hour into the flight the aircraft’s engines lost power.  The pilot, Sergeant Ronald Jones … Continue reading “1943-04-10|Wellington Mk.III|DF611|No.30 OTU, RAF|Newhaven, Derbyshire”

John Coenen was injured when he landed heavily on what is now the Pennine Way at Upper Booth after bailing out on realising that he was not going to get … Continue reading “1943-04-25|P-47C|41-6227|56th FG, USAAF|Horsehill Tor, Edale”

During the early hours the 12th May 1943 Sergeant John H. L. Wilson took off in Oxford EB717 for a night cross country flight from Wheaton Aston to the south … Continue reading “1943-05-12|Oxford Mk.I|EB717|No.11 (P)AFU, RAF|Burbage Edge, Buxton”

Only half an hour in the flight, which was routed as Base – Lincoln – Peterborough – Base, the port engine failed, it was successfully re-started and it ran at … Continue reading “1943-05-13|Whitley Mk.V|EB338|No.81 OTU, RAF|Alsop-en-le-Dale, Ashbourne”

The aircraft had taken off for a short air test from Ashbourne.  Along with the pilot, Flying Officer Archibald Forsyth of the RNZAF, were two passengers, both of whom were … Continue reading “1943-05-21|Oxford Mk.I|R6271|No.42 OTU, RAF|Waterhouses, Staffordshire”

While flying at 6700ft on a day cross country flight from RAF Cottesmore both engines began to mis-fire, though the main failure was in the Port engine,and the pilot could … Continue reading “1943-06-11|Wellington Mk.IC|DV678|No.14 OTU, RAF|Chatsworth, Bakewell”

The pilot had taken off on a training flight from RAF Calveley near Nantwich when he became disorientated in the summer haze and could not find land marks that he … Continue reading “1943-07-01|Master Mk.II|DK912|No.17 (P)AFU, RAF|Thorncliffe, Leek”

The two aircraft belonged to a unit which together with the 6th Fighter Wing were responsible for Operational Training at Atcham. They were combined and became the 495th Fighter Training … Continue reading “1943-09-30|P-47D|42-7872 & 42-7898|2906th Ob Grp, USAAF|Cats Tor, Bollington”

The crew, stationed at Snaith in Yorkshire were taking part in a raid against the German city of Frankfurt. The outward leg proceeded normally until shortly after they had released … Continue reading “1943-10-05|Halifax Mk.II|HR727|No.51 Sqn, RAF|Blackden Edge, Kinder”

At 20:45pm on the 18th October 1943 P/O Denis Kyne took off from Wheaton Aston, which is between Stafford and Telford, for a solo night cross country navigation flight along … Continue reading “1943-10-18|Oxford Mk.I|LX518|No.21 (P)AFU, RAF|Margary Hill, Derwent Valley”

On the 11th December 1943 2nd Lt Guy Senesac was tasked with ferrying a P-38J Lightning from Warton near Preston to Kingscliffe in Northamptonshire. Part way into the flight the … Continue reading “1943-12-11|P-38J|42-67480|27th ATG, USAAF|Cronkstone, Buxton”

The crew had been carrying out an anti U-Boat patrol over the Bay of Biscay from their home station at Dunkeswell in Devon. On returning they found that the station … Continue reading “1943-12-18|PB4Y-1 Liberator|63934|VB110, USN|Broken Ground, Mossley”

On the 22nd December 1943 2nd Lt Senesac of the 310th Ferry Squadron, 27th Air Transport Group, was tasked to fly a Lockheed P-38J from Warton near Preston to King’s … Continue reading “1943-12-22|P-38J|42-67670|27th ATG, USAAF|Strines Moor, Leek”

The aircraft, a C-53D Skytrooper (dedicated paratroop variant of the Dakota), was flying from Langar, near Nottingham, to Burtonwood, near Warrington, during the early afternoon of the 13th January 1944 … Continue reading “1944-01-13|C-53D|42-68728|435th TCG, USAAF|Ossoms Hill, Grindon”

The crew of 6 Australians were flying a 3.5 hour night cross country flight from RAF Church Broughton near Derby, a satellite to No.27 OTU’s main base at Lichfield. Their … Continue reading “1944-01-21|Wellington Mk.III|BJ652|No.27 OTU, RAF|Smerrill, Youlgreave”

The aircraft was being used for a night cross country exercise from RAF Calveley near Nantwich. The briefed route was to have been Calveley – Wrexham – Lichfield – Calveley … Continue reading “1944-03-12|Oxford Mk.I|LX745|No.11 (P)AFU, RAF|Shining Tor, Buxton”

The flight was recorded as being a Navigation Training exercise from RAF Millom in south west Cumbria, while flying in low cloud at 07:15 the aircraft struck Hollingworth Moor. The … Continue reading “1944-03-20|Anson Mk.I|DJ680|No.2 (O)AFU, RAF|Hobson Moor, Hollingworth”

The pilot was on a training flight from RAF Woodvale near Southport when he suffered from engines trouble and attempted to force land but the aircraft crashed during the attempt … Continue reading “1944-03-21|Spitfire Mk.Vb|W3569|No.316 Sqn, RAF|Bosley Cloud, Cheshire”

P/O Revitt was tasked with providing dual night training to the two trainee pilots, being what was termed a “screened pilot” with the pupils actually flying the aircraft. They had … Continue reading “1944-03-30|Albemarle G.T. Mk.I|P1463|No.42 OTU, RAF|Bradbourne, Ashbourne”

During the morning of the 10th May 1944 Flt Off Hugh Jones took off from Goxhill near Grimsby to take part in a cine gun / single engine flying exercise … Continue reading “1944-05-10|P-38J|42-67207|496th FTG, USAAF|Tintwhistle Knarr, Longdendale”

The crew were on a night cross country exercise from RAF Wigsley, with one of the objectives being to take a night photogaph of the Menai Bridge between Bangor and … Continue reading “1944-05-27|Stirling Mk.III|LK502|No.1654 HCU, RAF|Cliffe Park, Leek”

The crew were on an exercise from RAF Wiglsey in Nottinghamshire, having been briefed to carry out two and three engine flying as part of a cross country flight. The … Continue reading “1944-07-21|Stirling Mk.III|LJ628|No.1654 HCU, RAF|Upper Commons, Howden Moors”

Hawker Hurricane Mk.I V6793 of No.5 (P)AFU dived into the ground at Merryton near Leek, on the 27th July 1944 while flying from Tern Hill on an aerobatics and sector reconnaissance exercise   Roswell Howard Tourle Martin Flight Sergeant RNZAF Pilot Killed  

After take off from Warton the crew could not raise the aircraft’s undercarriage, while attempting to resolve this problem the aircraft stated to bank to the left and lose height, … Continue reading “1944-08-15|B-24H|42-52625|406th BS, USAAF|Brown Edge, Endon”

On the 29th September 1944 2nd Lt Fredrickson was tasked with a liaison flight from Burtonwood near Warrington to RAF Winthorpe near Newark on Trent in Nottinghamshire and back.  He … Continue reading “1944-09-24|UC-64A|43-35439|10th AD Group, USAAF|Shining Tor, Buxton”

The photograph above shows Quentin J. Sella shortly after receiving his commission in February 1944, this appeared with his obituary in the Grand Rapids Press (one of the newspapers from … Continue reading “1944-10-03|P-47C|41-6628|495th FTG, USAAF|Thorncliffe, Leek”

The crew were on a cross country training flight from their home station at Harrington, near Kettering. The route was to have been Base – Goole – Huddersfield – Stafford … Continue reading “1944-10-09|B-24H|42-94841|492nd BG, USAAF|Twizle Head Moss, Holmfirth”

The aircraft was being ferried from Burtonwood to Hardwick by a two man ferry crew on the 11th October 1944, the two men took off in the aircraft from Burtonwood … Continue reading “1944-10-11|B-24J|42-52003|27th ATG, USAAF|Mill Hill, Glossop”

The crew of the aircraft had successfully completed their raid on Hamburg and were returning to RAF Oakington near Cambridge when the port engine failed due to a cylinder head … Continue reading “1944-10-22|Mosquito Mk.XVI|PF395|No.571 Sqn, RAF|Dean Rocks, Dovestones”

On the 3rd November 1944 the crew of three boarded (including an instructor) HN429 for a Beam Approach training exercise from RAF Cranage in Cheshire where No.1531 Beam Approach Training … Continue reading “1944-11-03|Oxford Mk.I|HN429|No.11 (P)AFU, RAF|Axe Edge, Buxton”

On the 30th November 1944, Sergeant Julius Sofranko, a Czechoslovakian who had joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve, took off from RAF Ternhill piloting Harvard FT442 on a solo cross country … Continue reading “1944-11-30|Harvard Mk.IIB|FT442|No.5 (P)AFU, RAF|Shining Tor, Buxton”

The pilot was flying a number of the staff from the No.16 (Polish) Flying Training School base at Newton in Nottinghamshire to RAF Millom on the Cumbrian coast. While in … Continue reading “1944-12-11|Anson Mk.I|N9853|No.16 FTS, RAF|Edale Moor, Kinder”

The aircraft was being used to ferry supplies from Burtonwood to Le Culot (Y-10) in France via Grove near Wantage in Oxfordshire, along with a small number of passengers. The … Continue reading “1944-12-22|C-47A|41-38608|363rd TRG, USAAF|Bosley, Macclesfield”

1st Lt De Cleene and the crew flying with him were all from the 398th and had flown over to Burtonwood to collect a new replacement aircraft for one which … Continue reading “1945-01-02|B-17G|43-38944|398th BG, USAAF|Birchenough Hill, Wildboarclough”

The aircraft was being ferried by a pilot from the 310th Ferry Squadron, 27th Air Transport Group from Stanstead to Burtonwood. His route was meant to have been Stanstead – … Continue reading “1945-01-03|A-20G|43-9958|27th ATG, USAAF|Flash, Leek”

The crew of NF908 had not been at No.467 Sqn for long, being posted in from No.5 Lancaster Finishing School in at the beginning of December 1944. Though from available … Continue reading “1945-01-03|Lancaster Mk.I|NF908|No.467 Sqn, RAAF|The Roaches, Leek”

The crew were on a daytime training flight from Chalgrove in Oxfordshire, described as Contact Round Robin Flight, with 4 other aircraft.  Their route took them from Chalgrove to Bury … Continue reading “1945-01-21|C-47A|42-93683|9th TCG, USAAF|Nr Buxton, Derbyshire”

The flight of three aircraft had taken off  at 10:00 from RAF Calveley near Nantwich with F/Sgt Marien leading the flight. They had been tasked with practicing formation flying and … Continue reading “1945-02-22|Hurricane Mk.IIC|PZ851, PZ765 & PZ854|No.11 (P)AFU, RAF|Tintwhistle Knarr, Longdendale”

de Havilland Mosquito Mk.XX KB206 of the Pathfinder Navigation Training Unit, crashed near Cheddleton, Staffordshire, on the 2nd March 1945 The two crew were undergoing training to be posted to … Continue reading “1945-03-02|Mosquito Mk.XX|KB206|PFFNTU, RAF|Cheddleton, Leek”

As is shown above all four aircrew were holders of Distinguished Flying Crosses, and were experienced in their individual trades. The crew were briefed for a day time cross country … Continue reading “1945-03-04|Oxford Mk.I|NM683|PFFNTU, RAF|Rushup Edge, Edale”

The crash occurred while the aircraft was flying in low cloud, records state that the pilot may have been attempting to break through the cloud trying to pinpoint his position … Continue reading “1945-03-05|Proctor Mk.III|HM324|MCS, RAF|Hargatehill, Buxton”

The aircraft was being used for a day cross country flight from RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. The aircraft had taken off from Cranwell at about 09:30 and had flown for … Continue reading “1945-04-04|Oxford Mk.I|L4601|No.17 SFTS, RAF|Shutlingsloe, Wildboarclough”

The aircraft was on a test flight to put hours onto new engines which had been fitted to the aircraft. The flight was from Rattlesden near Stowmarket in Suffolk.  The … Continue reading “1945-04-06|B-17G|43-37667|447th BG, USAAF|Meltham Moor, Marsden”

The pilot had taken off from Sealand at 09:50 for a cross-country flight, just over 1.5 hours into the flight the pilot lost control of the aircraft in cloud and … Continue reading “1945-04-12|Tiger Moth Mk.II|T6464|No.24 EFTS, RAF|Blindstones Moss, Dovestones”

The aircraft was flying from RAF Linton-on-Ouse and had earlier been carrying out bumps and circuits but the crew became tired of this and decided to fly around the local … Continue reading “1945-05-18|Lancaster Mk.X|KB993|No.408 Sqn, RCAF|James Thorn, Bleaklow”

The aircraft flew into rising ground at high speed while the pilot was attempting to get below low cloud to ascertain his position. Witnesses saw the aircraft perform a sharp … Continue reading “1945-05-29|P-51D|44-64084|4th FG, USAAF|Nr Glossop, Derbyshire”

North American P-51D Mustang 44-72181 / VF-S ‘Sunny VIII’ of the 366th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, crashed on Castleshaw Moor 29th May 1945 while being ferried from Debden to Speke   Harold H. Fredericks 1st Lieutenant Pilot Killed  

The aircraft was being flown on a transport flight from airfield B.44 at Poix, to the SW of Amiens, in France to Renfrew. It had stopped at Leicester East and … Continue reading “1945-07-24|C-47A|42-108982|314th TCG, USAAF|Shelf Moor, Bleaklow”

Fairey Barracuda MD963 of the RNAS Dunino Station Flight, crashed at Close Moss, Redbrook Clough on Sunday 29th July 1945. The aircraft was flying from Donibristle near Dunfermline   George Henry Ambler Sub-Lieutenant Pilot Killed  

On the 23rd November 1945 Wing Commander Speare was on a ferry flight from RAF Halton near High Wycombe to Feltwell near Thetford. For an unknown reason he had flown … Continue reading “1945-11-23|Anson Mk.XI|NL185|Halton HQ Flt, RAF|The Cloughs, Edale”

One of the two pilots, Ted Croker, went on in life to play football for Charlton Athletic, who he was already playing for in 1945, and be Chief Executive of … Continue reading “1945-12-28|Oxford Mk.I|HN594|No.21 (P)AFU, RAF|Brown Knoll, Edale”

The pupil pilot was receiving training in the use of Standard Beam Approach equipment and had been airborne from Wheaton Aston for some 37 minutes when, at 09:45 the aircraft … Continue reading “1946-01-11|Oxford Mk.I|LX673|No.21 (P)AFU, RAF|Wildboarclough, Macclesfield”

The winter of 1946 / 1947 saw some of the heaviest snowfall recorded in England, it was particularly bad in the areas of high ground with many villages in the … Continue reading “1947-02-13|Halifax A. Mk.9|RT922|No.47 Sqn, RAF|Grindon Moor, Leek”

AC2 Wright had taken off for a cross country flight at 11:15 and at some point became disorientated, unable to locate his position he decided to make a forced landing. … Continue reading “1947-08-07|Harvard Mk.2B|KF954|No.6 FTS, RAF|Nr Buxton, Derbyshire”

WARNING: This site has become very popular with visitors after extensive exposure on social media, Patch Haley, Team Leader of Glossop Mountain Rescue Team, has had to point out that … Continue reading “1948-11-03|RB-29A|44-61999|91st RG, USAF|Higher Shelf Stones, Bleaklow”

The crew had taken off from RAF Lindholme near Doncaster during the night of the 20th December for a Night Familiarisation exercise, this was to have been largely local flying. … Continue reading “1948-12-21|Lancaster Mk.1|PA411|No.230 OCU, RAF|Tintwhistle Knarr, Longdendale”

The parent unit of the aircraft, No. 502 Sqn, was stationed at RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland. Each summer the whole Squadron would attend a practice camp where they could … Continue reading “1949-06-25|Spitfire F. Mk.22|PK488|No.502 Sqn, RAuxAF|Parwich, Ashbourne”

Supermarine Seafire F.Mk.17s SP325 and SX314 of No.1831 Sqn, RN, crashed after mid-air collision near Wildboarclough 16th July 1949 while flying from RNAS Stretton near Warrington   Edward Hugh Ramsden Eccles Lieutenant Pilot (SX314) Killed Frank James Dyke Lieutenant Pilot (SP325) Killed  

The aircraft had been built for the RAF and carried the serial number KG348, it had also been issued with a USAAF serial when it was built, this was 42-92543. … Continue reading “1949-08-19|Dakota|G-AHCY|British European Airways|Wimberry Stones, Greenfield”

The pilot was on a night cross country navigation exercise from RAF Linton-on-Ouse near York when he became lost. As his fuel supply ran low Sgt Harrington attempted to force … Continue reading “1950-12-08|Meteor F. Mk.4|RA487|No.66 Sqn, RAF|Hagg Side, Derwent Valley”

The aircraft was being ferried from Croydon to Iceland via Liverpool and Prestwick.  The crew became disorientated in cloud and flew into high ground. The aircraft was built as an … Continue reading “1951-04-12|Consul|TF-RPM|Icelandic Airline|Crow Stone Edge, Howden Moors”

At 9:15am on Thursday 12th April 1951 a flight of four Meteor jet aircraft took off from RAF Linton-on-Ouse near York for a training flight.  Flying the lead pair were … Continue reading “1951-04-12|Meteor F. Mk.8|WA791 & VZ518|No.66 Sqn, RAF|Sliddens Moss, Black Hill”

The events leading up to the accident and the aftermath are described below by Harry Wright, as recalled in December 2004. “The weather on the day was rather cloudy with … Continue reading “1951-07-03|Chipmunk T. Mk.10|WB579|No.2 RFS, RAF|Arnfield Moor, Tintwhistle”

The pilot was on a training flight from RAF Finningly near Doncaster when he became disorientated.  As he had been airborne for some time the aircraft had used up almost … Continue reading “1951-07-25|Vampire F.B. Mk.5|WA400|No.102 FTS, RAF|Strines Moor, Bradfield”

The pilot of the aircraft was a trainee Fleet Air Arm pilot who was carrying out flying training with the RAF. This was fairly common in the 1950s, No.22 FTS … Continue reading “1952-01-14|Harvard Mk.2B|FT415|No.22 FTS, RAF|Wool Packs, Kinder”

The two men, both from the Stockport area had flown the aircraft from Barton (where the aircraft was registered to Light Planes (Lancashire) Ltd) to Lympne in Kent. They were … Continue reading “1952-09-20|Auster J1 Autocrat|G-ALUE|Civil|Axe Edge Moor, Buxton”

Vickers Wellington T. Mk.10 MF627 of No. 6 Air Navigation School RAF, crashed on Rod Moor near Sheffield on the 22nd October 1952 whilst on a night navigation exercise from RAF Lichfield   Reginald Keith Sergeant Pilot OK David Edward Ward Pilot Officer Navigator (u/t) Injured John Brian Sunley Thirkell Pilot Officer Navigator (u/t) OK … Continue reading “1952-10-22|Wellington T. Mk.10|MF627|No.6 ANS, RAF|Rod Moor, Sheffield”

The pilot was on a “Circuits, Landings and Local Map Reading” exercise from RAF Ternhill. He had taken off at 09:40 and remained out of contact until 10:45 when he … Continue reading “1952-12-10|Harvard Mk.2B|FX306|No.6 FTS, RAF|Foolow, Tideswell”

The aircraft was an English Electric built example of the Vampire F.B. Mk.5 and was equipped with the de Havilland Goblin Mk.2 centrifugal flow turbojet. It had been built at … Continue reading “1954-05-01|Vampire F.B. Mk.5|VV602|No.613 Sqn, RAuxAF|Wildboarclough, Macclesfield”

The aircraft were returning to RAF Linton-on-Ouse near York form an unsuccessful interception exercise during Exercise Dividend when they appear to have either collided in cloud or flown into the … Continue reading “1954-07-22|Sabre F. Mk.6|XD707 & XD730|No.66 Sqn, RAF|Ashop Moor, Kinder”

During the mid-1950s a large number of RCAF Sabres were re-conditioned at Ringway before they were transferred to other NATO air forces. At the time of this crash the larger … Continue reading “1954-12-14|Sabre 2|19234|No.137 (T) Flt, RCAF|Black Hill, Holmfirth”

On the 12th May 2005 a memorial was unveiled by the sister of the pilot in the village of Millthorpe commemorating his death. The pilot had taken off to carry … Continue reading “1955-05-12|Meteor F. Mk.8|WE904|No.211 FTS, RAF|Millthorpe, Chesterfield”

The 81st Fighter Bomber Wing of the USAF was a strike unit primarily based in Suffolk and operating the Republic F-84 Thunderstreak, however within their collection of Squadrons there was … Continue reading “1956-12-05|L-20A|52-6145|81st FBW, USAF|Bramah Edge, Bleaklow”

At 10:42 on the 7th December 1956 WR970 took off from Woodford airfield and flew one and half circuits of the airfield before flying in an easterly direction and climbing … Continue reading “1956-12-07|Shackleton M.R. Mk.3|WR970|Avro|Foolow, Tideswell”

Miles Hawk Trainer Mk.3 G-AJSF, flew into Kinder Low End on the 29th July 1957 whilst flying from Squires Gate, Blackpool, to Barton aerodrome in west Manchester, the flight should have lasted only 15 minutes but a 30 knot tail wind caused the aircraft to overshoot its destination in cloud   William Warburton Hall Mr … Continue reading “1957-07-29|Hawk Trainer Mk.3|G-AJSF|Blackpool & Fylde Aero Club|Kinder Low End”

At 07:50 on the 8th August 1957 Flying Officers Jones and Brett took off in Vampire XE866 for a training flight from RAF Worksop. F/O Brett, under the instruction of … Continue reading “1957-08-07|Vampire T. Mk.11|XE866|No.4 FTS, RAF|Stanage Edge, Hathersage”

The aircraft was being used by Napier on secondment from No.76 Squadron for high altitude testing of the Double Scorpion rocket motor, it was normally flown from Cranfield near Milton … Continue reading “1958-04-09|Canberra B. Mk.6|WT207|No.76 Sqn, RAF|Monyash, Derbyshire”

de Havilland Dragon Rapide G-ALBC, Crashed near the summit of Kinder Scout on the 30th December 1963 when the aircraft was caught by a down draught while flying from Middle St George (now Teeside airport) to Ringway   Dennis Holmes Captain Pilot Injured John McWhirter Mr Co-pilot Injured  

RF-4C Phantom 64-1018 of the 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron / 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing USAFE based at RAF Alconbury near Huntingdon, crashed at Unthank Plantation near Millthorpe, Dronfield on the 6th May 1970 after suffering engine problems, both crew ejected from the aircraft   Donald Tokar Major Pilot Injured Peter Dunn Major Navigator OK  

The aircraft was being used for a night training flight from Manchester Airport with a student pilot and an instructor onboard. Most of the planned flight had been accomplished and … Continue reading “1983-10-25|Cessna 150|G-BFRP|Civil|Broadlee Bank Tor, Edale”

The owner of the aircraft, a commercial pilot with over 5,500 hours of experience, normally flew from Foulsham, in Norfolk, but kept G-BTYL at RAF Coltishall as there were better … Continue reading “1993-06-11|Hunter T. Mk.7|G-BTYL|Cubitt Aviation|Broomhead Moor, Bradfield”

Mr Smith was flying two of his daughters and one of their friends around the Buxton area, the occasion was the 11th birthday of his daughter Mary.  The aircraft was … Continue reading “1996-06-14|R1180TD Aiglon|G-CRAN|Civil|Staden, Buxton”

The aircraft, which was registered as a microlight and owned by a consortium, was being flown from Barton to Shacklewell Lodge in Rutland when it dived into the moorland after … Continue reading “2008-10-09|Flight Design CTSW|G-CFAZ|Civil|Saddleworth Moor, Oldham”