Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIC LF160 of No.516 Squadron crashed near Arinagour, on the Isle of Coll on the 6th February 1944

Hawker Hurricane

 

John Edward Stephen Warrant Officer Pilot Killed

 

The aircraft one of three, which were detatched from their home base of Dundonald near Ayr, that had taken off from Connel near Oban to take part in an amphibious landing exercise at Kentra on the northeastern end of the Ardnamurchan peninsular.  Following the completion of the exercise the three aircraft departed the area to return to Connel.  However shortly after they entered cloud and became dispersed. One of the aircraft (LF207) flew into high ground near the end of the Ardnamurchan peninsular killing the pilot.  Mean while W/O Stephen headed south west arriving over Coll, he attempted to land the aircraft on an area of seemingly flat ground, which is actually bog riddled with small ditches, the aircraft flipped over on landing killing W/O Stephen.  The third aircraft flew on in cloud heading east and eventually force landed in a field near Stirling.

Alan at the crash site of Hurricane LF160 at Arinagour, Isle of Coll
Alan with the remains of the aircraft Merlin engine, the crash caused the crankshaft to be bent over on itself.
Rolls Royce Merlin engine from Hawker Hurricane LF160 at Arinagour, Isle of Coll
Above and below are different views of the remains of the aircraft’s engine.

Rolls Royce Merlin engine from Hawker Hurricane LF160 at Arinagour, Isle of Coll

Undercarriage oleo from Hawker Hurricane LF160 at Arinagour, Isle of Coll
About 50 yards from the other remains of the aircraft is one of its main undercarriage oleos, shown here with myself holding it upright.
Undercarriage oleo from Hawker Hurricane LF160 at Arinagour, Isle of Coll
Above is the undercarriage oleo shown lying in the grass.