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10 fatalities

Handley Page H.P.63 Halifax V accident at Tempsford AFB, United Kingdom, 8 Jan 1944 (LK743)

Tempsford AFB, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On January 8, 1944, a Handley Page H.P.63 Halifax V (registration LK743) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Tempsford AFB, United Kingdom during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: According to the RAF, the loss of control on final approach was caused by the failure of the number one engine. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

According to the RAF, the loss of control on final approach was caused by the failure of the number one engine.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The aircraft left RAF Tempsford at 2032LT on 07JAN1944 bound for Belgium on Operation Tybalt 3 and Thersites 4 with three Belgian agents on board. While returning to its base, on final approach by night, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in Tetworth Hill, less than 2 km short of runway. All ten occupants were killed. Crew: H. M. Kennedy, T. S. Howlett, V. A. E. Theedom, S. Whiteley, E. Thripp, D. F. Davies, P. S. Barlow. Passengers: Henri Verhaegen 2.

Probable cause (official findings): According to the RAF, the loss of control on final approach was caused by the failure of the number one engine.

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Same operator

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