Pennfield Ridge Air Station
Accident and/or Mishap Reports
No.34 Operational Training Unit (OTU)
Transcribed by G. Christian Larsen

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Local Training Flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Tail wheel retracted on landing, under rear section, of fuselage angle brackets and skin damaged. Tail wheel collapsed.

Cause of Accident: Misc. Technical.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

12 November 1942

12-11-1942: Eight crews carried out Navigational Cross Country Exercises. Two of these crews, in Venturas, landed at Houlton and Mont Joli respectively, with engine trouble, and two Ansons had to land at Yarmouth owing to severe icing conditions over the Bay of Fundy.

14-11-1942: The two Ansons that had landed at Yarmouth owing to weather, returned to Base.

SOURCE: No.34 ANS Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

15 November 1942

15-11-1942: An Anson on Cross Country from Chatham landed at Pennfield due to engine trouble and remained overnight.

SOURCE: No.34 ANS Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

Station ORBs

20-11-1942: On a return flight from Dartmouth to Yarmouth, Ventura Ae932 crashed at 2130 hrs. G.M.T. at North Brookfield near Caledonia, N.S. and was burnt out (Cat. "A"). The crew, consisted of Pilot 657604 Sgt. Male H.O. W.A.G. J.15455 P/O S.E. Sutherland and F.M.E. 1125256 A.C.2 Sergeant who were all killed. The cause of the crash has not yet been established and is being investigated by a Court of Inquiry appointed by Eastern Air Command.

22-11-1942: The body of P/O. Sutherland was escorted to the Yarmouth Railway Station by S/Ldr. Burbridge, O.C. Detachment, and all Officers of the Detachment. P/O. Kay accompanied the Body as representative of the Station Commander.

23-11-1942: The funeral of Sgt. Male and A.C. Sergeant took place at Yarmouth. 90% of the Detachment attended and the R.C.A.F. Station Band was in attendance.

22-11-1942: A Court of Inquiry under the presidency of S/Ldr. McIness was held at Yarmouth to enquire into the crash of AE932.

SOURCE: No.34 ANS Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES: See "Several Are Killed In Crash of Bomber Near Caledonia, N.S."

21-11-1942: Eleven Navigational Cross County Exercises were completed, seven of these being at Low Level and two crew practiced Radio Range flying. One of the Ventura on Navigational Exercise landed at Mont Joli owing to engine trouble.

22-11-1942: Ventura AE911 returned from Mont Joli.

SOURCE: No.34 ANS Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

Station ORBs:

22-11-1942: Ventura AE868 crashed on the aerodrome just after take-off on a local day training flight. The circumstances were as follows:- The port engine failed shortly after take-off, and on attempting a cross-wind landing on the aerodrome, the aircraft cartwheeled on its back and crashed. All fuel tanks appeared to explode on impact and the aircraft was burnt out, (Cat. "A"). Both members of the crew, Pilot 1477985 Sgt. Smith D. and W.A.G. NZ.416039 Putt G. St.G. were killed. The accident is being investigated by the E.A.C. Investigating Officer, S/Lt. Brickhendon.'

25-11-1942: The funerals of Sgt. Smith and Sgt. Putt took place at St. George, N.B. with full Military Honours. The funerals were attended by the Station Commander and Chief Instructor and other representatives of the Staff and by the pupils of No.6 Course.

SOURCE: No.34 ANS Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

23 January 1943

Ventura II AE872 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Hills Mountain near Waweig Bridge (near St. Stephen, NB) @ 1015 hours - Category "A"

Objective of Flight:

Practice formation flying.

Weather:

Thin overcast above 10 thsd. Visibility 15 miles. Temperature 3 deg. F. Dew point 1 deg. F. Wind up to 1,000 ft. was West 8 mph. At 2,000 ft. it was North-West 15 mph.

Description of Flight:

P/O Williams and a crew of two took off at 0910 hours in Ventura aircraft AE872, authorized to carry out formation flying for one hour and 30 minutes with Sgt. Tovell and crew in Ventura No.658. P/O Williams and Sgt. Tovell were to share the leadership time in the formation, normally splitting the flying time into four portions.

After flying for about one hour in formation and at a time when the aircraft were heading back towards the aerodrome at a height of 2,000 ft. P/O Williams was leading; he gave the visual break-away signal and then broke away in a steep dive turn to port and Sgt. Tovell broke off in a steep climbing turn to starboard. Sgt. Tovell lost sight of Ventura 872 but later saw a fire on the ground. Eye witnesses residing some 9 miles from St. Stephen, N.B. and 37 miles from Pennfield Ridge stated that they saw two Ventura aircraft flying in formation when one broke away to the left and made a large circle, going into a steep bank and crashed into Hills Mountain which is about 300 feet higher then the surrounding country. The aircraft, Ventura 872, burst into flames on impact, exploded and was totally destroyed. All the occupants were killed.

An examination of the wreckage and of the scene of the accident disclosed that the aircraft had flown into the top of the trees in a 45° starboard wing - down, 30° nose-down altitude with considerable speed. The impact was so severe that the aircraft made a hole some four feet deep in the ground, exploded and broke into many pieces.

The Chief Technical Officer of the Unit who examined the wreckage was of the opinion that the cause of the accident was other than a mechanical failure.

The aircraft was received from Dorval nine days previously and had a short but good record at the Unit. It had flown 5 hours and 15 minutes on the 17th of January, 5 hours and 45 minutes on the 18th. On the 21st of January it had flown 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The L.14 showed that on the 17th of January the W/T not calibrated and on the 23rd of January the starboard fuel gauge was unserviceable.

Findings of Investigation:

Circumstances: The aircraft broke away from formation, circled to port, dived, and crashed  to starboard into high trees on a 300 foot hill.

Cause: The cause is obscure. The probable cause is the lack of appreciation by the pilot of the unwieldy nature of the Ventura aircraft near the ground and/or in a diving turn. The contributory cause was faulty judgment due to inexperience.

Recommendations: Nil

Observations of A.O.C.:

The Air Office Commanding, No.12 Training Group , Eastern Air Command, concurred in the findings.

Conclusions of Accident Investigation Branch:

Agree with the findings.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE872-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

Station ORBs

23-1-43: Whilst on a local flight in formation, Ventura II, AE872 suddenly broke formation and went into a diving turn and crashed into the side of a hill. (Cat. "A"). The location of the crash was Hills Mount, Waweig Bridge, 10 miles East of St. Stephen, N.B. The crew, consisting of:- R9929 P/O. B.B. Williams, R.125833 P/O P.W. Norris [McCarthy] and NZ421334 P/O. G.A. McCarthy [Norriss] were all killed.

The Station Commander flew to the scene of the crash but was unable to distinguish anything indicating a crash, from the air. 

The Chief Instructor and Chief Technical Officer proceeded to the scene of the crash by M.T. to make a preliminary investigation.

26-1-43: S/L. G.A.P. Brickendon arrived to carry out an investigation into the loss of Ventura AE872.

26-1-43: P/O. L.W. Munroe proceeded to Ottawa accompanying the casket containing the remains of P/O. P.W. McCarthy.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES: See "Three Members of R.C.A.F. Killed In Plane Crash Near St. Stephen"

25 January 1943

25-01-1943: A Low Level Bombing programme was carried out at Yarmouth during the morning, but bad weather caused flying to be cancelled at 1600 GMT. One aircraft of the detail, Ventura AJ211 P/O. Samuelson, landed at Pennfield owing to fog.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

26 January 1943

Ventura I AE665 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - reported missing @ 1710 hours (believed to have crashed off Point Escuminac, Gulf of St. Lawrence) - Cat. "A"

Object of Flight:

Cross country navigation exercise.

Weather:

Wind WNW 10 to 15 mph. Upper wind WNW 25 to 45 mph. Clouds ten tenths As and AC above 8000 ft. occasionally eight tenths. Two to five tenths SC occasionally 5-8 tenths based at 2-3 thsd. Visibility generally 5-10 miles - reduced by light haze or light fog. Temp. 34 deg. at surface.

Very steady pilot.

Description of Flight:

P/O Cormack (pilot), P/O James (navigator) and Sgt. Hunter (W/AG) took off at 1300 hours, A.D.T., in Ventura I No. 665 authorized to carry out a cross country navigation exercise. Route - Base - Bathurst - Point Escuminac  - St. John - Base. Practice bombing was to have been carried out at Musquash Range on the route home. Three other crews were detailed on a similar exercise at the same time. P/O Cormack was instructed at the briefing to avoid flying in cloud and snow. The flight was to be carried out at 10,000 ft. In the event of encountering snow or cloud below 9,000 ft., he was to endeavor to climb above such conditions.

The aircraft reported its position at Bathurst, the first turning point on the flight, at 1403 hrs., A.D.T., and three minutes later the aircraft sent a message that they were changing frequency to Greenwood, but this contact was never established. No further message was received from the aircraft by any known person. The other three aircraft on the same cross country exercise completed their flights successfully but nothing was ever seen or heard from Ventura 665 or its crew of three.

Intensive and extensive searches were made for the missing aircraft but all proved fruitless.

At above 1440 hours an aircraft from Summerside on a routine training flight sighted a patch of oil off Point Escuminac and for a few minutes saw the centre of the oil patch burning then die out, and some wreckage was seen. The position of the oil as just off the second turning point of Ventura 665 and about thirty five miles from the last position report from the aircraft.

The aircraft had carried out a satisfactory 25 minute test prior to taking off at 1300 hrs. This test flight followed a 40 hr. inspection on January 14, 1943, but due to bad weather it had not flown again until the 25 of January.

Findings of Investigation:

Circumstances: The aircraft took off on navigation exercise and failed to return..

Cause: The cause of the accident is obscure, but it is probable that the pilot attempted to go below a cloud bank at a point about 8 miles south of Point Escuminac and crashed into Northumberland Strait where wreckage was sighted.

Recommendations: Nil

Observations by A.O.C.:

The Air Officer Commanding, No.12 Training Group, Eastern Air Command concurred in the findings.

Conclusions of Accident Investigation Branch:

Aircraft and crew missing on a navigation cross country exercise.

The cause of the accident is obscure but the opinion of the Chief Instructor of the Unit is concurred in. He stated in part as follows:

Three other crews of the same flying experience as the missing crew completed this cross country flight successfully about the same time and experienced little or no difficulty. Presuming that this wreckage and oil is in fact from the missing aircraft, I can only presume that there was either from some unknown structural failure or that the pilot came down to obtain a pin-point himself  near Point Escuminac and crashed. There is no reason to assume why the  pilot should come down to a pin-point on a cross-country of this length as he had sent a position report from his last turning point, Bathurst, only some fifty miles away, a matter of fifteen minutes flying time."

It is considered that the occupants of the aircraft may reasonably be presumed to have perished. (F/L K.C. Fappell)

Agree: There is insufficient evidence to enable the cause of this accident to be determined. (F/S F.S. Wilkins, Chief Inspector of Accidents)

SOURCE: File 1300-655-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

Station ORBs

26-1-43: One crew practiced Radio Range Flying on the Blisseville Beam and three crews took-off on a Navigational Cross Country Exercise. Two of these crews completed the exercise, but the remaining crew, in Ventura I, AE665, consisting of:- AUS41447 P/O. D.S. Cormack, AUS416966 P/O. S.J. James and NZ42329 Sgt, Hunter T.M. failed to return to base. When this aircraft became one hour overdue at 2050 GMT. Overdue Action was immediately instigated and it was learned from Flying Control, E.A.C. that an aircraft from Summerside had reported the sighting of a patch of oil and green and yellow flotsam in a position 48'48" N. 64'51" W.

At this position was on the track being followed by 665, Chatham was requested to send an aircraft to reconnoiter, and the pilot of this aircraft reported a definite oil slick and flotsam. Further enquires of the Summerside pilot elicited the information that the oil patch he had seen was burning. A search was organized to take place the following day, Chatham and Moncton being requested to cooperate.

27-1-43: The search fir Ventura AE665 was commenced, aircraft from Chatham and Moncton cooperating with these from this Unit. Nearly 80 aircraft in al took part, but nothing helpful was discovered. A Radio Appeal for information from the General Public was broadcast over Station OBA, Sackville, but only two reports were received in response to this, and neither proved to be of any consequence. In the early evening, the Station Commander decided that subject to the consent of the S.A.S.O. E.A.C. the search should be abandoned, and the latter concurred with the decision as it affected the three searching Stations, but decided that a Catalina should be sent from Dartmouth at the first light tomorrow, to make a final reconnaissance. Moncton and Chatham were thanked for their assistance and informed of the decision.

28-1-43: The search for 665 by the Catalina from Dartmouth had to be postponed owing to severe ice pack conditions in the area concerned, pending information from Chatham that the ice pack was sufficiently broken up.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

Letter

"I desire to inform you that a cablegram now received from Royal Canadian Air Force, Ottawa, contains a report from your son's Squadron stating that some aircraft wreckage was found floating five miles east of Richibucto, New Brunswick, Canada. The wreckage found included one tyre similar to those fitted to Ventura aircraft, and a handkerchief with a laundry mark "S. James", which it is believed referred to Pilot Officer James who was a member of the crew of your son's aircraft. It is, therefore, believed that this wreckage was that of your son's aircraft."
SOURCE: RAAF Causality Correspondence File of P/O Donald Shaw Cormack (Series A705/ Item 166/8/31).

30 January 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE953 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Yarmouth aerodrome @ 0610 hours - Category "B"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Night cross country training flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Aircraft swung to the left on take-off leaving the runway. Aircraft travelled over uneven ground collapsed undercarriage.

Primary Cause of Accident: Swung.

Secondary Cause of Accident: U/C Strain.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

30-1-43: On taking off on a training flight at Yarmouth, Ventura II, AE953, pilot 1334939 Sgt. Bristow E.D. swung off the runway and the undercarriage collapsed. (Cat. "B"). Nobody as injured.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

8 February 1943

Ventura II AJ211 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - near Richibucto, NB @ 0715 hours - Category "A"

Object of Flight:

Cross country exercise for training bomber crew.

Weather:

Dark night, overcast, ceiling about 2,000 feet at take-off; about 2,500 feet at time of crash, snow showers in region of crash.

Description of Flight:

Sgt. Burnham as pilot, Sgt. Edmond as observer-navigator, Sgt. Hogan as W.A.G. were detailed to fly Ventura AJ211 on a cross country exercise. Four other crews were authorized for the same flight. The crews were told that the cloud base would be about 2,000 feet to 2,500 feet. They were instructed to attempt the exercise at a height of 2,000 feet, and if they were forced below that altitude by cloud, or ran into heavy snow showers they were to abandon the exercise and return to base. Sgt. Burnham and his crew took off at about 0555 hours. They were due to complete the cross country and bomb at Tusket between 0830 and 0840 hours.

A wireless check was made with ground operator before take off; the aircraft reception and transmission by W/T were normal and the pilot's R/T check was satisfactory. All crew had been instructed to transmit W.T.B.'s to base every half hour or at turning point which ever was the nearer. At 0627 hours the ground operator received part of a position report of aircraft AJ211, the rest of the report being broken by transmission from other aircraft. No further communication was received from the aircraft although, according to the statement of the ground operator, he tried to contact the aircraft at regular intervals.

Of the five aircraft on the same detail that morning three aircraft completed the exercise successfully, the fourth returned having encountered cloud at 1700 feet. Aircraft AJ211 failed to return to base.

At about 1045 that morning the R.C.M.P. at Richibucto received word to the effect that a fisherman had seen a plane crash about 3 miles from the town of Richibucto. The aircraft was found completely broken up, the wreckage was widely scattered by the explosions which appear to have the followed the contact with the ground, causing a large crater. The location of the crash was nearly on the course Westpoint to Blissville.

The W.C. of the Unit who was not advised until about eight hours later stated:-

"Judging by the conditions of the bodies and extent of the injuries I consider that the aircraft must have crashed at high speed and/or an explosion occurred on impact; in both cases death must have been instantaneous."

The only eye witnesses were two fisherman of Richibucto, one of whom gave evidence to the fact that at about 0700 hours he heard a plane flying a north westerly course over his shanty, the noise died away but later he heard it again and looked out and saw an aircraft flying towards the east. He considered the wings were tilted as he could see all three lights on the aircraft which was flying fast with engines roaring. He stated he saw flames coming from the engine. (The Investigating Officer considered this was the dual exhaust flames which are easily visible in the darkness). Aircraft dived and went straight into the ground about a mile and a half away from his shanty. Although the night was dark and snowing a little, the weather was clear and the town lights could be seen, 3 miles away.

The senior Engineering Officer at the Unit when asked with regard to the possibility of icing being a contributing factor to the accident, stated in part as follows:-

"I am of the opinion that the existing carburetor heat system on the Ventura is inadequate to cope with all icing conditions such as may be encountered in this region. This Unit has asked that an effective winterization be fitted to the Ventura, and, to quote C.A.F.222, p.75, para.8, 'The object must be to keep the mixture temperature above freezing.' Eastern Air Command have advised that a winterization which will raise the air temperature is not required and that an alcohol spray has been ordered. This latter method has been tried on aircraft in the U.K. over the last ten years and to the best of my knowledge has proven unsatisfactory."

The Investigating Officer who visited the scene was of the opinion that the condition of the aircraft did not permit of any definite conclusions as the cause of the crash.

Findings of Investigation:

Circumstances: Aircraft flew into ground north of Richibucto River, killing all three occupants. Time about 0715 hours.

Cause: Aircraft struck ground, probably at high speed, and exploded. Why it did so, I do not consider the evidence is sufficient to ascertain.

Recommendations: Nil

Remarks by O.C.:

Owing to the nature of the crash, it has been found impossible to ascertain the reason for the crash. I however conquer in the remarks by the Investigating Officer.

Observations by A.O.C.:

The A.O.C., No.12 Group, E.A.C. concurred in the findings.

Conclusions of Accident Investigation Branch:

Agree with the findings. (F/L K.O. Rappell - C.I. Accidents)

Concur. (G/C F.S. Wilkins, C.I. Accidents).

Memoranda

There is just a suggestion that the weather may have been worse than actually reported when only three aircraft out of five succeeded in the operation. There is no evidence as to cause the accident but it may be that the pilot control lost in a snow flurry. His training seems to have been quite well done and he appears to have a been a reasonably capable pilot.
SOURCE: G/C F.S. Wilkins, C.I. Accident - May 5, 1943.

SOURCE: File 1300-AJ211-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934

Station ORBs

8-2-43: Pre-Dawn Cross Country Flights and a Low Level Bombing programme were carried out at Yarmouth. One aircraft on Cross Country, Ventura II, A.J.211, crashed 4 miles from Richibucto, N.B. and exploded on impact. All the crew were killed. The crew were members of No.6 Course and consisted of:- AUS420135 Sgt. Burnham H.J. AUS413841 Sgt. Edmund P.L. and NZ416424 Sgt. Hogan J.E. The cause of the accident being obscured, an investigation was requested and the accident is being investigated by S/Ldr. C.W. Foxley-Norris, R.A.F. of No.31 O.T.U.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

TRANSCRIBER NOTES: For additional information please see 

1) "The Last Flight of an Australian Bomber";

2) "Cousin Visits Gravesite" and

3) "Three R.A.F. Members Killed in Plane Crash Near Richibucto"

16 February 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE671 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @1630 - Category "B"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Day training flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Starboard oleo leg broke during run after landing & a/c swung off runway. Pupil pilot applied brake quite gently and in his instructor's opinion the amount of brake he used did not put any excessive strain on the U/C.

Cause of Accident: 1. Bad surface of aerodrome./ 5. U/C failure.

Secondary Cause of Accident: Possible previous weakening of oleo leg due to several patches on icy runway./ 35. U/C defect.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

16-2-43: On landing from a Day Training flight at Pennfield, the starboard oleo leg of Ventura II, AE671 broke, and the aircraft was damaged Cat. "B". The captain of the aircraft was F/O. R.A.C. White, D.F.M. and the pupil pilot - P/O. B.F. Arnold, a pupil of No.9 Course. Nobody was injured.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

20 February 1943

20-2-43: Pre-Dawn and Dusk Cross Country Flights and a Low Level Bombing programe were completed at Yarmouth. One aircraft on Dusk Cross Country, landed at Dartmouth (Ventura AE954 Pilot - Sgt. Robson D.).

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

21 February 1943

Ventura Mk.II AJ247 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Yarmouth aerodrome @ 1450 hours - Category "B"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Circuits and landings practice.

Nature and short description of accident: A/c swerved on take-off and through harsh use of brakes, tail went up causing damage to propellors and came down heavily breaking off tail wheel and damaging fuselage.

Cause of Accident: 12. Swung.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

22 February 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE874 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1130 hours - Category "B"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Local day training flight.

Nature and short description of accident: A/c swung off runway on take-off to stony ground. Tail wheel was locked and brake fully off before take-off.

Cause of Accident: 9. Swinging./ 12. Swung.

Secondary Cause of Accident: Inexperience of pilot.

Action Taken: Nil.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

22-2-43: On taking-off on a local Day Training flight, Ventura II, AE874 (Pilot - P/O. J.W. Downing, a pupil of No.8 Course) swung off the runway on to rough ground causing the tail oleo leg to break and the fuselage to be damaged. (Cat. "B"). Nobody was injured.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

24 February 1943

24-2-43: Pre-Dawn Cross Country flights were carried out at Yarmouth. One of the aircraft on the latter landed at Pennfield, owing to fog. (Ventura AE878 Thorburn R.G.).

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

25 February 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE887 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1710 hours - Category "C"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Local day training flight.

Nature and short description of accident:: Landed with u/c partially retracted, and although horn was blowing he did not use the hand pump or emergency release.

Cause of Accident: 31. Undercarriage down but not fully locked./ 7. Others.

Action Taken: Pilot's Log Book Endorsed.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

25-2-43: At 2010 hours GMT, Ventura II, AE887 was landed at Pennfield by 1233464 Sgt. Gardiner K., pupil of No.9 Course, with the undercarriage partially retracted, the pilot having failed to use either the emergency release or the hand pump. The aircraft was damaged Cat. "B"/ Nobody was injured.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

26 February 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE911 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Unknown, believed in the immediate area west of Grand Lake, NB @ 1140 hours - Category "A"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Formation cross country training exercise.

Nature and short description of accident: Not known.

Cause of Accident: Not Known - investigation officer required.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE911-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934

26 February 1943

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

28 February 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE893 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1150 hours - Category "A"

Reflections of an airmen:

    "Gil and I did have a bad prang at Pennfield Ridge OTU. I had maybe 3 or 4 hours on Venturas and the tower brought us in on a runway with a 90 degree crosswind of strong force. To make things worse, the runway was ice covered and rough. Venturas landed like hot bricks at best. Anyway in attempting the landing, she drifted off so I crabbed her in but as soon as I leveled the old "B" drifted out again so I tried to take her around again on full boost. She wallowed along 50ft. up and when I realized she was heading for the trees I tried to bring the nose up to clear and she immediately stalled and we went in nose first. When I came to, I looked for Gil who was pretty groggy and somehow helping each other we staggered out into the snow. We were mightily cut and bruised but lucky she didn't blow. Poor Gil, I think he thought his new sprog pilot had ended his  career early. Frankly I too thought I might be grounded but on my second day in hospital, I was visited by the C.O. and the S/L from the control tower who apologized for bringing us in on that particular runway. I wonder if Gil still has a sore back from that prang?"

SOURCE: F. Ronald "Spaff" Spafford, MID - October 2000.

1 March 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE851 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1415 - Category "C"

Secondary Cause or Contributing Factors: 35. U/C Defect.

1-3-43: When taxying after a day training flight at Pennfield, the starboard undercarriage of Ventura II, AE851 collapsed and the aircraft was damaged Cat. "C". Nobody was injured. The accident was caused by the failure of the undercarriage actuating jack piston assembly and dawn lock. The pilot of this aircraft was NZ39589 Sgt. Uru H.W. a pupil of No.8 Course.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

3 March 1943

Ventura Mk.I AE664 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 2330 hours - Category "B"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Local Night Training Flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Port engine cut just as the A/C was becoming airborne. A/C swung violently and pilot closed throttles. A/C swung off the end of runway and crashed.

Cause of Accident: Engine failure - appointment of investigating officer requested.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society") & File 1300-AE664/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

6 March 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE907 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - ice of the Saint John River (7 miles East of Fredericton) @ 1330 hours

6-3-43: On returning to Pennfield Ridge from a Day training flight, Ventura II, AE807 was unable to land owing to the weather having closed in, and was diverted to Houlton, Me. Slight engine trouble was experienced, and the pilot landed the aircraft without damage on the ice of the Saint John river, 7 miles East of Fredericton. The pilot was R145272 P/O. R.F. Schalit.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

6 March 1943

Ventura Mk.I AE678 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Low flying area about 6 miles N.W. of Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1140 hours - Category "C"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Single engine flying and landings.

Nature and short description of accident: Aircraft hit tree starboard fuselage and starboard engine damaged.

Cause of Accident: Authorized low level flying - investigation officer required.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE678/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934

9 March 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE912 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Yarmouth aerodrome @ 1720 hours - Category "B"

9-3-43: Ventura II, AE954 and Ventura II, AE912 were both damaged (Cat. "C" and Cat. "B" respectively) at Yarmouth when NZ414953 F/O B.A. Bebarfald, a pupil of No.7 Course, collided with AE954 which was standing unoccupied in the flight line, while taxying. The accident was caused through brake failure owing to the pilot operating the bomb doors to the "open" position when taxying.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

9 March 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE866 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - ice of Shell Camp Lake, NS (about 12 miles S.S.W. of Greenwood, NS) - 1045 hours

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Low Level Cross Country Flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Std. engine dropped to 600 rpm. The pilot suspected icing and tried to clear it by backfiring his engine which he failed to do. Propellor would not feather and pilot states he was unable to climb satisfactorily with port engine. Successful forced landing was made on Shell Camp Lake. Subsequent thaw may result in the loss of this A/C.

Primary Cause of Accident:  Engine failure in the air. Pilot applied full carb. heat in 0° C contrary to instruction bringing his carb, intake temperature from 17° up to icing range.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

9-3-43: Five crews carried out low level cross country flights. One of the latter aircraft, Ventura II, AE866 pilot 67026 F/O. V.G. Pettit, a pupil of No.8 Course, forced-landed on the ice of Shell Camp Lake, Nova Scotia, about 12 miles S.S.W. of Greenwood, following the failure of the starboard engine; apparently due to the carburetor icing. Nobody was injured and the aircraft was not damaged. The matter is being investigated by S/Ldr. R. Kiersteid.

13 March 1943

Ventura II AJ173 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - reported missing @ 1845 hours (45 minutes overdue) (believed to be near Port Maitland, NS) - Cat. "A"

Objective of Flight:

500 foot bombing followed by front, turret and under gun firing.

Weather:
Overcast above four thousand feet. Visibility four to six miles. Surface wind eight to twelve miles per hour throughout the period veering from West Northwest to North West.

He had been qualified as first pilot on Ventura aircraft and was considered to be capable and reliable.

Description of Flight:

On the afternoon of Saturday, Mar. 13/43, F/L D.G. Lacey, Flight Commander Armament Flight, authorized P/O Corr as pilot, P/O Lalor observer and Sgt. Cannon W.O.A.G. to take off at 1645 hours in Ventura AJ173 for the purpose of carrying out bombing and gunnery exercises. The bombing was to be undertaken at the Pubnico Range and the gunnery at Port Maitland and the crew were given strict instructions to land at 1800 hours.

As this was the first exercise of this type to be carried out by this particular crew at this Unit they were briefed before take off by the Gunnery Officer. They also signed the Air Firing Range Orders as having read and understood. The last signal received from the aircraft informed the base that bombing had been completed and that it was proceeding to the gunnery range.

At 1845 hours, when the aircraft had not returned the Flight Commander Armament Flight requested that overdue action be taken, and on the following morning an intensive search by air and sea was organized without result. On Mar. 15th some lobster boats found near Port Maitland an oleo leg, glee wheel and tyre and aircraft type dinghy which were positively identified as belonging to this particular aircraft. The R.C.A.F. crash boat cruised in the area for three hours after the discovery without finding any further evidence.

On Mar. 16th several other pieces were picked up on a beach south of Port Maitland Harbour, these included a sleeping bag and box marked "Tail Drift Sight". From these parts it was evident that the aircraft had broken up with great violence.

On the day of the accident the aircraft had been flown by another pilot for 1 hr. 30 min. during this flight it behaved in a normal manner; there is also evidence to prove that it had been refueled prior to taking off on the fatal trip.

The presence of Ordinary Seaman Faulkner, R.H., as passenger in this aircraft is not explained, a naval rating was seen by the Leading Aircraftman J.R. Atkinson, who assisted the pilot in starting the engines to be on board the aircraft when it taxied out for take off. It is further certified by F/L D.G. Lacey that the four men were members of the crew and that nobody was seen to leave the aircraft prior to take off.

Findings of Investigation:

Circumstances: Aircraft engaged on a Low Level Bombing and Air Firing Exercise: completed its bombing and became missing after proceeding towards the Air Firing Range at Port Maitland to carry out the Air Firing Exercise. From the wreckage found, Aircraft & Crew may be presumed lost at Sea.

Cause: No evidence to show how the accident occurred.

Recommendations: Nil.

Remarks of O.C.:

The cause of this accident must remain obscure. An explosion appears to have occurred, but whether in the air or on impact is difficult to decide. The finding of more wreckage later may bring something more to light.

Observations of A.O.C.:

The Air Officer Commanding No.12 Operational (T) Group concurred in the report.

Conclusions of Accident Investigation Branch:

Agree with the Findings.

From the evidence available the accident was probably due to the pilot allowing the aircraft to dive into the water through an error of judgment. (G/C F.S Wilkins, C.I. of A.)

Search (Based on Declaration of F/O C.R. Dixon (J/9209), pilot of No.113 Squadron, employed as Operations Officer, RCAF Station, Yarmouth, NS):

Details of the aircraft searching for Ventura No. A.J. 173 are given below:

The area searched was enclosed by the points:-

43°53'N. 66°22'W.    44°07'N. 66°02W.
43°37'N. 65°30'W.    43°22'N. 65°50'W

On the morning of the 14th, March 1943, the area was searched by three (3) Venturas, two (2) Lysanders, four (4) Ansons and one (1) Hudson. In the afternoon the search was continued by nine (9) Ansons, one (1) Lysander, one (1) Ventura and one (1) Canso.

None of these aircraft reported having seen anything.

A Lobster Boat also searched for seven (7) hours, on the 14th. March 1943.

After wreckage had been found off Port Maitland, the RCAF Crash Boat searched the vicinity and was at sea for three hours on the 15th, March 1943 commencing at 1900 hours A.D.T.

SOURCE: File 1300-AJ173/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

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18 March 1943

Ventura II AE943 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1440 hours - Category "A"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Local Training Flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Swung off runway on take off and crashed into tree stumps on rough ground off runway.

Cause of Accident: Swinging - investigation officer not required.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE943/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

Station ORBs

18-3-43: On taking off on a local day training flight at Pennfield, Ventura II, AE943, Pilot R146786 Sgt. Sellars D.S. a pupil of No.9 Course, swung off the runway in a cross wind and crashed into tree stumps on rough ground off the runway, and the aircraft was damaged Cat. "A". Nobody was injured. The accident was due to the inexperience of the pilot and the presence of snow slush and ice at the intersection of the runways.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

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24 March 1943

24-3-43: Nine crews took off on a navigational cross country flight, but only eight finished the course, one crew landing at Houlton with engine trouble. (Ventura II, AE922, pilot - R148578 P/O. Grills.)

25-3-1943: Ventura AE922 returned from Houlton.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

25 March 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE889 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Old Orchard Beach, ME @ 0900 hours - Category "B"

25-3-43: Pre Dawn Cross Country flights and a low level bombing with air firing exercise were arranged at Yarmouth. One of the aircraft on cross county, Ventura II, AE889, pilot - 657462 Sgt. Scott T. a pupil of No.8 Course, lost his bearings and eventually forced landed at Old Orchard Beach near Portland, Me. The pilot made a wheels up landing and the bomb bay and undersided of the engines were damaged and the propellers were bent. Nobody was injured.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

At the September 11, 2001, reunion of Company H, 181st Infantry, in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Romeo LeBlanc, related a story that took place while the unit was stationed in Saco. "One night" (March 24, 1943), he said, "everyone in the barracks woke up to the noise of several loud explosions.." Battalion headquarters alerted all units. Officers notified the troops to prepare to move out as soon as possible. "Wood  spread throughout the barracks that an airplane had crashed-landed on the beach in the nearby resort town of Old Orchard Beach. We thought it was a German plane," Romeo added. "The company entrucked and headed down the highway toward the beach area at a high rate of speed."

The aircraft turned out to be a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Lockheed B-34 Ventura medium bomber with a crew of four, the pilot and three crewmen, based at "RAF Station, Pennfield Ridge, New Brunswick." The Canadians used the bomber primarily for anti-submarine patrol.

It seems the bomber had lost its way and was about to run out of fuel. The pilot "decided to try" a "belly-landing" on the beach, putting the plane down "in the soft sand about 400 feet west of Goose Fare Brook, in the Kinney Shores section of Old Orchard Beach" (Kinney Shores is actually part of Saco). The Biddeford Daily Journal reported that the crash "damaged the underside of the plane and the propeller[s?]...Whether or not the landing gear stuck was not disclosed." Fortunately, no one was injured.

The B-34, powered by two Pratt & Whitney radial engines with 2,000 horsepower each, carried a bomb load of 3,000 pounds. The pilots jettisoned his bombs over the ocean and made the emergency crash landing. The article reported that the "landing was within 50 feet of the bulkhead [?]." LeBlanc recalls it being "a bright moonlit night," which was most fortunate for the pilot and crew. Had it been dark or foggy, the incident might have resulted in an unfortunate  ending for all aboard. Jillian Carle Jakeman, a resident of Ocean Park, wrote, "The bomber story was told to my husband by another person from Old Orchard Beach, who died several years ago." The man said he "could see the bomber from the end of one of the streets in Ocean Park.

According to the Journal article, "Within a few minutes after the crash, a detachment of U.S. Coastguardsmen from Biddeford Pool Station were at the scene." Guardsmen kept "spectators.... at a distance from the plane." The pilot and three crew members were walking about the craft checking the damage. A short while later, the Journal reported, "Army men and trucks from nearby barracks" had arrived and "were at work towing the plane out of the sands to where repairs could be made." Romeo, whose duty station was located at the end of the pier at Old Orchard Beach, claims, "The airplane remained on the beach for several days." Finally, he says, a large truck with a flatbed trailer, followed by a large crane, arrived at the site accompanied by a work crew from the air base. The men removed the wings, hoisted the dismantled craft onto the trailer, and carted it away."

The wing commander, "S/L N.W. Timmerman," sent a letter to the 2nd Battalion commander, Lt. Col. John A. Amberg, conveying his appreciation and thanks to the officers, NCOs, and men of the unit "for the assistance and cooperation" accorded crewmembers. The closing statement reads, "The crew of the aircraft concerned have spoken very highly of the reception and treatment which they received, and I can assure you this has created an excellent impression of our Allies in the minds of our men, and instances such as this serve still more to strengthen relations between our two nations."

SOURCE: The 26th "Yankee" Division on Coast Patrol Duty, 1942-1943 by Dennis A. Connole (2008).

23 April 1943

Ventura II AE878 attached to No.34 OTU Detachment, Yarmouth, NS - 15 miles W of Yarmouth (near Springhaven), NS @ 1225 hours - Category "A"

Object of Flight:

Cross country flight.

Weather:

Weather good, no low cloud, visibility at time of crash - unlimited.

Pilot:

Sgt. Franckeiss had flown Service aircraft a total of 297:20 hours which included 82:30 hours on Ventura aircraft. The Officer Commanding the Unit assessed him as a pilot of average ability and even temperament.

Description of Flight:

Sgt. Franckeiss, pilot, with an observer and air gunner took off at 1157 hours G.M.T.,. in Ventura AE878, on an authorized cross country flight, height 6,000 feet.

Nineteen minutes after take off RAF ground station received a message from aircraft to the effect that aircraft was returning to base. No reasons was given for the return. Nine minutes later the R/T operator in the control tower (RCAF) heard aircraft calling: "878 calling tower, are you receiving me ?" Operator replied: "Tower to 878, receiving you loud and clear, go ahead." 878 back to tower: "I can barely hear you but I am 15 miles North of aerodrome, we are going to force land. Both engine dead." This last message was acknowledge. No further communication passed.

Farmers at Springhaven saw the aircraft about 50 ft. up approaching from the S.E. and apparently trying to land, but overshot a field, then pilot gained height and continued North Westerly towards Duck Lake, but failed to clear a wooded section lying between the field and Duck Lake. The aircraft crashed, burst into flames and was totally destroyed. The three occupants were killed instantaneously.

When the aircraft taxied out at 1145 hours G.M.T. persons in the control tower heard the engines back-firing and noticed "larger and more frequent puffs of smoke coming from the exhausts than is usual."

The Engineer Officer of the Unit examined the wreckage of Ventura AE878 with a view of ascertaining whether or not there were indications of structural failure in flight. He stated:-

"Owing to the condition of the wreckage, it was impossible to form any opinion. It was noted that the propeller on the Port Motor was in fully feathered position. Petrol was found to remain in the auxiliary tank."

The eye witnesses at Springhaven stated that the engines were running at least partially just before the crash.

Findings of Investigation:

Circumstances: Pilot attempted a forced landing in Duck Lake without engine. Undershoot and crashed into trees.

Cause: Cutting out of both engines.

Recommendations: Nil

Remarks of O.C.:

The loss of flying  speed in attempting a forced landing, which must be regarded as an error of judgment on the pilot. There is no evidence to show why the engines should have cut out. 

Remarks of A.O.C.:

The A.O.C., No.12 Operations (T) Group, concurred in the report.

Conclusions of Accident Investigation Branch:

Aircraft on authorized cross country crashed about 33 minutes after take-off and burst into flames.

Engine failure necessitated a force landing. Pilot erred in judgment when attempting his forced landing, then allowed aircraft to stall at low altitude when attempting to fly over trees.

There is no evidence to show why the engines failed.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE878-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

10 May 1943

Ventura Mk.I AE668 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1710 hours - Category "B"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Training flight.

Nature and short description of accident: A/C was landing in rather heavy cross wind, no runway being directly into wind on landing. Instructor, who was captain of A/C, took over from pupil but was unable to correct resultant swing and A/C ran over some rough ground causing U/C to collapse.

Cause of Accident: Swung.

Action Taken: Nil.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

10-5-43: On landing from a dual I.F. day training flight at Pennfield Ridge, Ventura I, AE678, Captain - GB42923 F.L. J.S. Watters Pupil pilots - NZ415329 Sgt. Croudis P., a pupil of No.11 Course, swung off runway in a cross-wind and the undercarriage collapsed on running on uneven ground. The aircraft was damaged Cat. "B". Nobody was injured.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

20 May 1943 

Ventura I AE674 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 0445 hours - Category "C"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Night Flying Training Flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Pilot applied brakes in first instance gently with no result. He then used both hands on brake handle. Brakes locked suddenly and A/C nosed over thereby bending propeller tips. A/C then righted itself falling heavily on its tail causing extensive damage to tail unit.

Cause of Accident: Nosing Up - investigation officer not required.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE674/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

Station ORBs

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

29 May 1943

Ventura I AE678 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - near the Burns Road (Digdeguash, NB) @ 1545 hours - Category "A"

Object of Flight:

Formation flying.

Weather:

(Illegible) 

Pilot:

Sgt. Roger's experience as pilot:

Aircraft	Dual	Solo
DH.82	40.45	39.40
Anson	75.35	79.30
Ventura	12.00	12.55

This pilot's instructor on the Conversion course states: "In my opinion this pilot, although knowing his cockpit drill well,  was inclined to be careless. He found the aircraft hard to cope with at first and did not strike me as being a very capable pilot."

Description of Flight:

Sgt. Rogers...(Illegible) 

Front fuel cocks turned off and port mixture control in "out-off". Both propellers were in fine pitch and neither had been feathered. Visual inspection indicated that the flaps were down, and the undercarriage was up. 1° port rudder trim, elevator trim 5° nose up. There was an indication of structural failure in flight.

On the night of the 28th on the Daily Inspection the petrol gauges were checked for all tanks and all tanks showed full. The aircraft made its first flight on the day of the 29th at 1345 hours and was flown for an hour and five minutes by F/L Douglas who immediately handed over the aircraft to Sgt. Rogers without refueling. F/L Douglas stated that he flew the aircraft on the rear main fuel tanks. He stated as follows:-

"On commencement of this flight, I noticed that the port rear main indicator read about 65 gallons, while the starboard rear main petrol indicator read at about 85-90 gallons. The whole of my flight was carried out on these two tanks, and on landing and before getting out of the aircraft I noticed that the port rear main petrol indicator read just above the 'empty' mark. I pointed this fact out to Sgt. Rogers on handing the aircraft over to him. The normal sequence of use of petrol tanks on Ventura aircraft is:

Findings of Investigation:

Circumstances: The crash occurred when the pilot, attempting a forced landing after the failure of the port engine, overshot the field he was trying for and crashed into trees..

Cause: Mishandling of controls by an inexperienced pilot who did not carry out the correct single engine flying approach (ie: not applying rudder trim or feathering airscrew) and subsequently failed to carry out a successful forced landing. The cause of engine failure is doubtful, but as the port auxiliary fuel tank was dry at the time of the crash, it appears very likely the pilot neglected to change to a full tank before running the auxiliary tank dry, and when engine did cease, failed to appreciate the cause.

The 5th witness states that the pilot made use of the remaining up to the time of crash, but it is not known why the pilot did not try to remain airborne with his engine instead of trying a forced landing.

Recommendations: Nil

Conclusions of Accident Investigation Branch:

Agree with the findings.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE678-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

Station ORBs

29-5-43: Whilst on a formation day training fight, Ventura I, AE678, pilot - AUS421828 Sgt. Rogers, A.E.E., W.A.G. AUS422151 Sgt. Ellis L.A., both pupils of No.12 Course, overshot and hit trees on attempting to make a forced landing after experiencing engine trouble, and crashed 9 miles N.W. of St. George, N.B. The pilot was killed but the W.A.G. escaped with only slight injuries. The aircraft was completely wrecked. Cat. "A"

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

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3 June 1943

Ventura II AE942 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - reported missing @ 1950 hours (50 minutes overdue) - Cat. "A"

Object of Flight:

Formation day training flight.

Weather:

6/10 of heavy cumulo-nimbus cloud based at an estimated 3,500' with 1 to 3 tenths ragged cloud at 2500 ft. Visibility 15 miles. Winds at 5,000 to 6,000 ft. would be approximately 300° at 20-25 m.p.h. In the heavier cumulonimbus clouds the turbulence would be severe. Icing index would be light to moderate, clear icing above 11,000 ft.

His instructor stated that he was a safe, steady pilot with no outstanding faults and his instrument flying was better than average.

Description of Flight:

P/O Langdale, pilot, with Sgts. Carter, Brier and Stiles, took off at 1640 (GMT) in Ventura AE942 to carry out formation day training flight for one hour and 30 minutes.

WO2 Harris, pilot, took off in Ventura AE658 to fly in formation with P/O Langdale. He states as follows:- "I took off first and he then followed me off. He pulled into formation about five minutes after take off. We climbed up in formation on a heading of 045 until we reached the cloud base which was approximately 2,500'. We flew under the cloud base for approximately 15 minutes. During this time we did several turns, keeping within the local flying area to the N.E. of the aerodrome. The clouds were about five-tenths in that area and as it was very bumpy I decided to climb above them. We levelled out at 6,000'. I then led the formation down to the coast. As we approached the coast the clouds below us thickened. I then made a turn to the right and followed the coast line back to the airport. Seeing a very large clear spot in the area bounded by the airport, Lake Utopia, Saint Andrews, I led the formation into it and then gave P/O Langdale lead of the formation. He then turned to the right and flew on a heading of approximately 045° passing North of the airport which was plainly visible to me and my Navigator. We flew on for several minutes and he did a turn to his right and flew on to approximately 135° and continued on his course, The tops of the clouds were building up and we were flying through wispy light cloud. We finally broke through one of these clouds and a very dark cloud loomed up ahead of us. He immediately went into a climb without giving a signal, consequently I dropped about two lengths behind him. On entering a cloud I lost sight of him, so I immediately turned away from him to the right, turning 180° bringing me back out of this cloud. About a minute later I saw him emerge from the cloud to the S.W. of me. He then turned towards me, I continued my course. Our height at this time was approximately 6,500'. We were still flying through light broken cloud and he passed under me, and then turned to his left and passed very close underneath me. I then began a turn to my left to renew the formation. At this time his Wireless Operator called up and wanted to break the formation. I immediately turned to my right towards our airport on a course of about 330°, and descend down to 2,000' below the cloud base and flew directly home. It took me approximately 15 minutes to reach the airport and land." WO2 Harris further stated that he did not strike any icing conditions on the flight.

In answer to the question:- "Can you give any opinion as to what may have caused the disappearance of this aircraft." WO2 stated:- "I would say that it is possible that he reserved his compass."

An extensive and intensive search was carried out for the missing aircraft and crew but no trace was found.

Findings of Investigation:

Circumstances: Ventura AE942 took off 1640 hours GMT with Ventura AE658 to carry out local formation flying. Ventura AE658 landed at 1800 hours after breaking formation at a point between 30 and 40 miles S.E. of aerodrome. The aircraft was last seen flying due South and failed to return.

Cause: The cause of the accident is very obscure.

Recommendations: Nil.

Conclusions of Accident Investigation Branch:

Aircraft and crew failed to return from a day formation practice flight for reasons not disclosed in the evidence. Evidence is lacking as to the inspection and condition of instruments prior to the flight.

It is considered that the occupants of aircraft AE942 may reasonably be presumed dead.

Memorandum (by G/C F.S. Wilkins, C.I. Accidents - 21 August 1943)

This accident is beyond understanding. Why a pilot would fly so far off course in daylight without attempting to reach land apparently cannot be explained. The failure of signals was probably due to lack of skill on the part of the W.A.G. and the pilot and navigator became completely lost and apparently finished up in the sea.

Search:

Twenty four aircraft from various Stations took part in the search together with three surface craft.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE942-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

Station ORBs

3-6-43: Ventura II, AE942, Pilot NZ424554 P.O. S.N. Langdale, Navigator NZ416456 Sgt. F.R. Carter, W.A.G. NZ424967 Sgt. R.F. Brier all pupils of No.12 Course and A.G. R164166 Sgt. F.J. Stiles, a pupil of No.11 Course, failed to return from a formation day training flight. It was last seen 30 to 40 miles from this Station over the Bay of Fundy, flying S.W. at 500 ft. above cloud at 5 - 7,000 ft."

3-6-43: An aerial search for AE942 was commenced, two aircraft from this Station, two each from Saint John, Greenwood and the U.S. Coastal Station at Bar Harbour, Maine taking part. The latter Station also searched in the Bay of Fundy with Patrol Craft without result.

4-6-43: Search for AE942 was continued, six aircraft from the Unit, and two each from Saint John, Debert, Greenwood and Bar Harbour, and one from Yarmouth taking part. Marine Craft from Bar Harbour and this Unit were also used without result.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

9 June 1943

Ventura Mk.I AE670 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1230 hours - Category "C"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Local day training flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Pilot made heavy landing. Port oleo strut fractured and wheel and part of strut came off. A/C swung off runway.

Cause of Accident: 40. Heavy landing - flying into ground./ 4. Heavy.

Technical Officer's Report: 20. Fracture of port oleo leg in region of weld at point of attachment of radius arm, following heavy landing. Defect being examined and Form L.3 Defect Report being submitted. This oleo leg had done 593 hours service.

Action Taken: Nil.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

9-6-43: On landing from a local day training flight, the port oleo leg of Ventura I, AE670 collapsed and the aircraft was damaged Cat. "C". The pilot was NZ428792 Sgt. Miller M.J., a pupil of No.13 Course. Nobody was injured.

14-6-43: Ventura I, AE670 was transferred to No. 4 Repair Depot.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

12 June 1943

Ventura GRV FN977 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, RI @ 1918 hours - Category "A"

Object of Flight:

Ferrying aircraft from Quonset Point, R.I. to Pennfield Ridge, N.B.

Weather:

C.A.V.U. Wind 15-18 m.p.h.

Pilot:

Sgt. Odlum, staff pilot, had flown service aircraft a total of 459:25 hours, including 274:00 hours on Ventura.

Description of Flight:

Sgt. Odlum, staff pilot, with W.O.1 Burley, W.A.G., took off at 1915 hours G.M.T. in Ventura FN977 for the purpose of ferrying the aircraft to Pennfield Ridge. Ventura FN977 started down the runaway. After a short distance, the tail of the Ventura was raised and then almost immediately lowered again. After another short run the tail was raised again and the Ventura proceeded for a distance of about 800 feet in a straight course down the runway. The plane then began a gradual turn to the left while still on the runway. Just before the Ventura reached the left-hand side of the runway, the plane became airborne with the left wing down at an angel of about 20°. Shortly after clearing the runway, the left wing and wheel struck an Army gun emplacement and the plane cart wheeled over the sea-wall into the water.

The aircraft was totally damaged, the pilot slightly injured, the other occupant was knocked unconscious and death was due to drowning.

Findings of Investigation:1

Circumstances: Aircraft swung on take-off, left the ground partially stalled. One wing dropped and struck ground causing the aircraft to cart wheel.

Cause: Pilot error.

Recommendations: Nil.

Remarks by S.A.S.O, No. 12 Group.:

In my opinion the accident was caused by a pilot's error. The sequence of events being as follows: The pilot started a normal take-off and during the take-off run allowed a swing to develop. No endeavored to get the aeroplane into the air by pulling it off the ground before it had reached proper flying speed. The aeroplane left the ground the slip-stream over the inner wing was sufficient to supply the necessary lift, although the wing tips were probably in a stalled condition. However, in the condition, lateral control was not available and the aircraft continued its swing at the same time a wing dropped. At this point the aircraft was heading for an obstruction on the ground and the pilot presumably attempted to pull the aircraft over the obstruction, thus aggravating the stalled condition of the wings. The port wing then hit the ground and the aircraft cart wheeled and was wrecked. There is no indication of any form of failure of the engine or airframe.

Observations by A.O.C,:

There was no question whatsoever about engine failure. The pilot was pilot was satisfied in this regard.

Conclusions of Accident Investigation Branch:

Agree with findings and remarks of S.A.S.O.

SOURCE: File 1300-FN977-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5937.

25-6-43: On taking-off on a ferrying flight to this Unit from Quonset Point, Rhode Island, Ventura GRV. FN977 (Pilot 1068115 Sgt. Odlum D.W.J. W.A.G. 69756 W.O.I. H.T.C. Burley) swung to port and collided with a light A.A. Gun Post and continued into the sea. On impact with the sea, the nose of the aircraft split open and the pilot was thrown clear and escaped with slight injuries. The W.A.G., W.O.I. Burley was drowned in the aircraft. The aircraft was destroyed. Cat. "A"

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

16 June 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE860 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1900 hours - Category "C"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Training flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Pilot ran off runway after landing, port oleo leg collapsed on the rough ground.

Cause of Accident: 32. Pilot error.

Secondary or Contributing Factor: 44. Bad surface./ 61. Swinging on landing.

Technical Officer's Report: Nil.

Action Taken: Log book endorsed.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

16-6-43: On landing from a day training flight, Ventura II, AE960 (Pilot - J13068 P.O. Baldwin, a pupil of No.12 Course) ran off runway on the runway on to rough ground and the port oleo leg collapsed. The aircraft was damaged Cat. "C". Nobody was injured.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

25 June 1943

Ventura Mk.II AJ186 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Summerville, NS @1350 hours - Category "A"

Objective of Flight:

Cross-country low flying exercise, 250 feet.

Weather:

Visibility 15 miles (over land), 3 to 4 miles (over water). Wind S.W. 10. Moderate to severe turbulence over land. Temperature 78° F. Dew Point 63°.

Pilot:

P/O Cowie had flown a total of 323:50 hours on service aircraft, of which 65:25 hours were on the type involved.

The Flight Commander authorizing the flight states:- "P/O Cowie was a safe and reliable pilot, a good average pilot with no weaknesses to my knowledge. Previous to this crash he had completed all his exercises satisfactorily."

Description of Flight:

The aircraft took off from Pennfield Ridge at 1237 hours G.M.T. on 25th June, 1943 for the purpose of carrying out a low flying cross-country navigation exercise.

This exercise had been properly authorized.

The crew members were P/O Cowie, pilot; P/O Griffiths, navigator; P/O Loucks, air gunner; and Sgt. Mulcahy, wireless air gunner.

The aircraft was seen flying starboard wing low in an attitude which suggested that the starboard engine had cut out. At this point it was also observed to strike a tree, catch fire and crash, becoming a total wreck and killing all the occupants.

Findings of the Investigation:

Cause: The cause of the accident at present remains obscure, although it appears that one engine (the starboard) had cut out and the aircraft was flying starboard wing low when it struck a large tree, caught fire, somersaulted, landing approximately 200 yds. from the tree. The engine above-mentioned may have cut out as a result of fuel starvation as there was a history of fuel pump unserviceability.

Recommendations: Nil.

Remarks of O.C.:

The cause of this aircraft must remain obscure, but the possibility of the aircraft flying too low should not be ruled out.

Conclusions of Accident Investigation Branch:

The cause of this accident is obscure. There is not sufficient technical evidence to prove that the fuel pump failed. (F/L J.R. Dexter, C.I. Accidents)

Agree. (G/C F.S. Wilkins, C.I. Accident)

SOURCE: File 1300-AE186-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

Station ORBs

25-6-43: Five crews were despatched on a Low Level Cross County Exercise, and four successfully complete the same; the remaining crew, consisting of Pilot NZ422262 P/O. G.W. Cowie, Navigator NZ421703 P/O. C.A. Griffiths, W.A.G. AUS422234 Sgt. Mulcahy C.A. and A.G. R188478 P/O. J.C. Loucks were all killed when the aircraft in which they were flying, Ventura II, AJ186, crashed at Summerville, Nr. Falmouth, N.S. The crew were members of No.12 Course.

29-6-43: S.L. Brickenson and F.L. Cobb reported on temporary duty from E.A.C. to investigate the accident involving Ventura II, AJ186.

29-6-43: Ventura II, AJ186 was struck off charge on being transferred to No.4 Repair Depot.

1-7-43: S.L. G.A.P. Brickenson and F.L. H. Cobb (E.A.C. Investigating Officers) reported on temporary duty. (Investigation into the loss of Ventura AJ186.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

3 July 1943

6 July 1943

Ventura Mk.II AE912 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome  @ 1230 hours - Category "B"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Bombing flight.

Nature and short description of accident: While taxiing into flight line after exercise, opened bomb doors for re-arming while still taxiing. This probably lowered hydraulic pressure momentarily rendering brakes practically inoperative and collided with port wing of AJ230.

Cause of Accident: 3. Hitting other aircraft./ 9. Collision.

Secondary or Contributing Factor: 24. Careless taxiing./ 14. Misuse of controls.

Technical Officer's Report: When bomb doors are opened whilst taxiing hydraulic pressure drops from 750 to 100 lbs. per sq. in. rendering brakes weak for 15-18 secs. until pressure had time to build up.

Court of Inquiry or Investigating Officer's Report: Normally this should not happen as there is an accumulator to take care of peak loads.

Order has been put into effect that bomb door lever and flap lever is not to be operated when A/C is taxiing. 

Action Taken: Log book endorsed.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

Station ORBs

6-7-43: While taxying into position on the flight line, after landing from a bombing exercise, NZ424445 Sgt. Franklin C.W., a pupil of No.12 Course, collided with the port wing of Ventura II, AJ230. The taxying aircraft was Ventura II, AE912. The accident was due to fast taxying and operating bomb doors to the open position before the aircraft had stopped. Ventura II, AJ230 was damaged Cat. "B" and Ventura II, AE912 was damaged Cat. "C". Nobody was injured.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

6 July 1943

Ventura Mk.I AE661 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 2215 hours - Category "B"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Day Training Flight.

Nature and short description of accident: While taxing off tyre blew out causing aircraft to swing. Undercarriage retracted to avoid collision with taxing aircraft on aerodrome triangle.

Cause of Accident: Port tyre bursting - investigation officer required.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE661/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

Station ORBs

6-7-43: At 2215 ADT. Ventura I, AE661, (pilot - J15799 F.O. W.H. Dixon, a Flying Instructor this Unit,) on taking off on a day training flight, burst the port tyre, causing the aircraft to swing and the undercarriage was retracted to avoid collision with aircraft taxying on the aerodrome triangle. The aircraft was damaged Cat. "B". Nobody was injured.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

Ventura Mk.I AE673 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1800 hours - Category "B"

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Day training flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Aircraft practicing glide approaches and landings made heavy landing damaging port undercarriage leg would neither retract or lower. Fuel jettisoned and one a one wheel landing was made.

Cause of Accident: Damage to undercarriage causing failure of it to retract or lower - investigation officer not required.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE673-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

Station ORBs

7-7-43: At 1800 ADT. Ventura I, AE673     (Pilot R160400 P.O. W.J. Yarwood, a pupil of No.15 course) practicing glide approaches and landings, made a heavy landing, damaging the port oleo leg. The a/c. took-off again but the port oleo would neither retract nor lower. After jettisoning fuel, the pilot made a one wheel landing, and the aircraft was damaged Cat. "B". Nobody was injured.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364.

10 July 1943

Ventura Mk.I AE696 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 2115 hours - Category "A"

Object of Flight:

Revision of all exercises on which pilot had received instruction.

Weather:

Visibility 8 miles. Wind S to SSW 4-6 mph, cloud 7/10 above 10,000.

Description of Flight:

At 2100 GM, Ventura AE696 took off on a revision flight. The aircraft made a normal approach for landing when one quarter along the length of the runway at a height of 30' and a speed of approximately 80 mph with the wheels and flaps down the pilot instituted overshoot action revving up the motors. The port engine picked up before the starboard engine pulling the aircraft into a shallow bank and around to the starboard from where it climbed for 150 yards to a height of 100 feet, stalled and dived into the ground on the aerodrome.

Both occupants of the aircraft were killed. The aircraft burned and was totally destroyed.

Findings of Investigation:

Circumstances: Port engine picked up faster than the starboard engine when throttles opened for overshoot action causing aircraft to swerve to starboard and climb, the action being taken at a slow speed with flaps and wheels down thereby resulting in a stall and dive into the ground from a height of 100 feet.

Cause: Failure by the pilot to maintain trim and flight angle when revving up his engine for overshoot action and contributed by quicker pick up of port engine.

Recommendations: Nil.

Remarks by C.O.:

I concur.

Conclusions of Accidents Investigation Branch:

Agree with the findings.

SOURCE: File 1300-AE696-1/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-5934.

Station ORBs

10-7-43: At 2115 GMT., Ventura 1, AE696 overshot runway the aerodrome and attempting to go round again, dived into the ground from 100 ft. and burst into flames. Both members of the crew were killed. Pilot - R176129 P.O. M.W. Hansen, W.A.G. R155475 P.O. H.E. Jasmin. The aircraft was destroyed. Cat. "A".

12-7-43: F.O. W.E. Earle reported from Eastern Air Command for investigation into the accident involving Ventura 1, AE696.

15-7-43: F.O. W.E. Earle departed on completion of temporary duty.

SOURCE: No.34 OTU Daily Dairy/ Library and Archives Canada/ Copy Number C-12364

TRANSCRIBER NOTES: See "Two Airmen Killed In Crash At Pennfield" & "Two Airmen Killed When Plane Crashed At Pennfield Ridge"

19 July 1943

Ventura Mk.I AE666 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 1830 hours - Category "B"

CREW

SURNAME/ Rank/ Initials	Service Number	Position in Aircraft	Status
ANSTEY, Sgt. R.S.	NZ424817	Pupil Pilot	Uninjured
HARRISON, Sgt. (N.?)	R/163722	Wireless Air Gunner	Uninjured

Nature of duty on which engaged at time of accident: Training Flight.

Nature and short description of accident: Pilot reports that he opened both throttles and engines responded normally. After running forward about 300 yds., port engine failed at about 35 inches manifold pressure. A/C swung to the left and ground looped causing tail oleo to collapse and also considerable damage to tail unit.

Cause of Accident: Misuse of controls.

Secondary or Contributing Factors: 13. Engine failure on take-off./ 32. Pilot Error.

Technical Officer's Report: Presumed that pilot choked one engine through opening throttles too quickly as subsequent test found engine O.K.

Action Taken: Nil.

SOURCE: Accident Report Card (copy in archive holdings of "Pennfield Parish Military Historical Society").

23 July 1943

Ventura Mk.I AE658 attached to No.34 OTU Pennfield Ridge - Pennfield Ridge aerodrome @ 2040 hours - Category "B"

Technical Officer's Report: Nil.