Aviation incidents in Ulster during the Second World War

Ulster boasted many airfields throughout the Second World War, which led to a considerable number of aviation incidents across Northern Ireland.

Avro Anson N4943 crash in Glenariff, Co. Antrim

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31st January 2017

Avro Anson N4943 came down in a heavy snowstorm over Glenariff, Co. Antrim on 31st January 1940 and a treacherous recovery mission ensued on the mountain.

Avro Anson N5372 crash in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim

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18th October 2016

On 18th October 1943, Avro Anson N5372 crashed near Ballycastle, killing 3, after many factors contributed to it striking high ground at Knocklayd Mountain.

Bristol Beaufort AW277 crash on Colin Mountain, Co. Antrim

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29th March 2021

At around 0400hrs on 29th March 1943, Bristol Beaufort AW277 came down on Colin Mountain, Co. Antrim killing 4 crew members of No. 5 O.T.U.

Cessna UC-78 Bobcat 42-58314 crash at Carntogher, Co. Londonderry

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4th September 2019

On 4th September 1943, a Cessna UC-78 Bobcat came down on The Old Coach Road at Carntogher, Co. Londonderry killing 3 high-profile passengers.

Chance Vought Corsair JT357 crash at R.A.F. Ballyhalbert, Co. Down

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8th September 2017

On 8th September 1945, the pilot of Chance Vought Corsair JT357 crash-landed and burned out 5 miles south-by-southwest of R.A.F. Ballyhalbert, Co. Down.

Chance Vought Corsair JT692 crash in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim

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18th January 2016

Chance Vought Corsair JT692 came down near the town of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim on 18th January 1945 killing Pilot Sub-Lieutenant Peter Storm Ross.

De Havilland Mosquito NS996 crash at Slieve Commedagh, Co. Down

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12th January 2021

On the night of 12th-13th January 1945, De Havilland Mosquito NS996 in heavy cloud crashed into the southern slopes of Slieve Commedagh, Co. Down.

Grumman Hellcat FN410 crash at Knockanally, Co. Antrim

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31st January 2018

Grumman Hellcat FN410 piloted by Sub-Lieutenant Ronald John Corkhill came down on high ground at Knockanally, Martinstown, Co. Antrim on 31st January 1944.

Lockheed Hudson AM604 crash at R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim

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1st February 2018

Lockheed Hudson AM604 flying with R.A.F. 206 Squadron near R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim crashed on a training flight on 1st February 1942.

Lockheed Hudson T9326 crash at R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim

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30th September 2016

On 30th September 1940, Lockheed Hudson T9326 experienced problems, losing power and coming down soon after take-off from R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim.

Lockheed Hudson T9328 crash at Slieveanee Mountain, Co. Antrim

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16th October 2017

On 16th October 1940, Lockheed Hudson T9328 crashed at Slieveanee Mountain in the townland of Cargan, Co. Antrim killing all those on board.

Featured image for Supermarine Seafire LR761 crash at Glenarm, Co. Antrim

Supermarine Seafire LR761 crash at Glenarm, Co. Antrim

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29th January 2019

Supermarine Seafire LR761 of Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm 879 Squadron crashed into a hillside near Glenarm, Co. Antrim on 29th January 1944.

Supermarine Spitfire BL922 crash at R.A.F. Ballyhalbert, Co. Down

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9th September 2017

On 5th October 1943, Sergeant Henryk Andrzej Flegier's Supermarine Spitfire came down about a mile away from Ballyhalbert Airfield, Co. Down.

Supermarine Spitfire BM531 crash en route to Belfast Docks

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2nd September 2018

On 2nd September 1943, Polish Flight Sergeant Jerzy Malec escaped uninjured when Spitfire BM531 sustained damage en route to Belfast Docks.

Supermarine Spitfire EP280 crash at R.A.F. Ballyhalbert, Co. Down

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5th September 2018

On 5th September 1943, R.A.F. Ballyhalbert, Co. Down was the site of the crash of Spitfire EP280. The Polish pilot escaped alive but injured.

Supermarine Spitfire R6992 crash in Figullar, Co. Monaghan

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20th September 2017

In May 2017, archaeologists from Belfast were part of a team to unearth Gordin Hayter Proctor's Spitfire R6992 in Figullar, Co. Monaghan.

Supermarine Spitfire W3937 crash at R.A.F. Ballyhalbert, Co. Down

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9th September 2017

On 9th September 1943, Supermarine Spitfire W3937 crashed at Ballyhalbert, Co. Down. It would not be the Polish Pilot's last crash in Ulster.

Vickers Wellington DV664 crash in Portballintrae, Co. Antrim

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28th November 2016

On 28th November 1943, Vickers Wellington DV664 dived into the sea at Portballintrae, Co. Antrim. The Mark IC bomber appeared to stall before crashing.

Westland Lysander P1731 crash at Sydenham Airfield, Belfast

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30th April 2016

Polish Airman Sergeant Edward Lewandowski piloted Westland Lysander P1731 on 30th April 1942. The plane crashed after taking off from Sydenham Airfield.