L5813

On final approach to Bétheniville AFB, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a field short of runway. Four passengers were killed. Crew (271st Squadron): Sgt William H. Whitfield, pilot, † F/O Alister C.J. Percy, † Sgt H. J. Barnwell, pilot, † Sgt W. H. Whitfield, † Sgt H. C. Adams, F/S F. T. Avent, Sgt D. B. Crabtree, Sgt J, Davis, P/O B. L. Duckenfield, AC1 A. F. Holdsworth, LAC A. L. W. Holt, F/O B. J. R. Brady 4.

Flight / Schedule

L5813

Registration

L5813

Date

May 11, 1940 at 12:00 AM

Type

CRASH

Flight Type

Supply

Flight Phase

Landing (descent or approach)

Crash Site

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Crash Location

Bétheniville AFB Marne

Region

Europe • France

Narrative Report

On May 11, 1940 at 12:00 AM, L5813 experienced a crash involving Bristol 130 Bombay, operated by Royal Air Force - RAF, with the event recorded near Bétheniville AFB Marne.

The flight was categorized as supply and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

16 people were known to be on board, 4 fatalities were recorded, 12 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 25.0%.

Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 14, passenger fatalities: 4, other fatalities: 0.

On final approach to Bétheniville AFB, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a field short of runway. Four passengers were killed. Crew (271st Squadron): Sgt William H. Whitfield, pilot, † F/O Alister C.J. Percy, † Sgt H. J. Barnwell, pilot, † Sgt W. H. Whitfield, † Sgt H. C. Adams, F/S F. T. Avent, Sgt D. B. Crabtree, Sgt J, Davis, P/O B. L. Duckenfield, AC1 A. F. Holdsworth, LAC A. L. W. Holt, F/O B. J. R. Brady 4.

Aircraft reference details include registration L5813.

Fatalities

Total

4

Crew

0

Passengers

4

Other

0

Crash Summary

On final approach to Bétheniville AFB, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a field short of runway. Four passengers were killed. Crew (271st Squadron): Sgt William H. Whitfield, pilot, † F/O Alister C.J. Percy, † Sgt H. J. Barnwell, pilot, † Sgt W. H. Whitfield, † Sgt H. C. Adams, F/S F. T. Avent, Sgt D. B. Crabtree, Sgt J, Davis, P/O B. L. Duckenfield, AC1 A. F. Holdsworth, LAC A. L. W. Holt, F/O B. J. R. Brady 4.

Occupants & Outcome

Crew On Board

2

Passengers On Board

14

Estimated Survivors

12

Fatality Rate

25.0%

Known people on board: 16

Operational Details

Flight Type

Supply

Flight Phase

Landing (descent or approach)

Crash Site

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Region / Country

Europe • France

Aircraft Details

Registration

L5813

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