Westland Lysander P1731 took off from Sydenham Airfield, Belfast on 30th April 1942, piloted by Sergeant Edward Lewandowski. The plane came down near the airfield after an accident shortly after take-off.
After beginning to gain altitude, the 22-year-old Polish Pilot flying with No. 6 Anti Aircraft Co-operation Unit struck a barrage balloon cable.
Grave of Flight Sergeant Edward Lewandowsi (P-783109). He served in the Polish Air Force and is buried in Milltown Cemetery, Belfast, Co. Antrim. Photo taken on 11th November 2017. Copyright Scott Edgar - World War Two Northern Ireland.
The airfield at Sydenham, Belfast on the shore of Belfast Lough had barrage balloon cover to protect from Luftwaffe attacks. Flying too close to one of the cables, the wing of Westland Lysander P1731 came into contact with the balloon tether. The plane spun out of control coming down near the airfield. Sergeant Edward Lewandowski died as a result ofvthe incident. His grave is in Milltown Cemetery, Belfast.