Airspeed Oxford N4759, assigned to 24th Mobile Reclamation and Repair Squadron, 312th Service Group, 9AF USAAF.

Pilot took off from Balderton about 2115 hours with the intention of proceeding to Dartonwood via Hooten Park. At the ETA Hooten Park 2150 dusk had fallen and the visibility was very poor. He was unable to pinpoint himself and accordingly set course to the East, intending to return to Balderton. About five minutes before ETA Balderton, he commenced signalling on the downward identification light. At Marston Moor, the night flying programme having concluded at 2210 hours, the DREM lighting system was switched off with the exception of the perimeter track lighting and obstruction lighting on high buildings such as hangars, etc. At 2257 hours the duty control officer received a telephone message to the effect that an aircraft was circling and flashing SOS. Full Drem lighting, including the outer circle was immediately switched on for any emergency landing. Very soon the airfield was illuminated just to the starboard of the aircraft, then at 4,000 feet. He circled twice to lose height and then proceeded to carry out a normal approach and landing. He was on approach at IAS 90 mph and apparently, according to instruments, at an indicated altitude of 500 feet, the aircraft struck a tree. It immediately descended heavily to the ground and burned, causing major injuires to the three occupants.