Otto Spacek (Cz) 615sqn Hurri 10.4.41

[uckwash]

Špaček was injured in 1940 and survived three air crashes during World War II’:

'He was stationed initially at Speke near Liverpool, where he narrowly survived when the engine in the Hurricane he was flying failed, and he had to glide it down, landing in the wood store of a match factory, which fortunately did not catch fire when his fuel tanks leaked'

On 10.4.41 Hurricane Z2637 he was flying crashed at Spratts Brook farm, nr T.Wells. Whichever of the 3 that was.

I'm presuming this was a forced landing as the Hurricane was later repaired??

Dave

[Jan Gazda]

Hello,

The extensive study on Czech airman in RAF by Rajlich mentions four accidents of Otto Spacek (Špaček):

On 11.11.1940 with 312.Sq. in Hurricane Mk.I P3810 (DU-?) northeast of Speke, engine stopped during flight, force landed, unhurt (this was the match factory incident)

On 28.4.1941 with 615 Sq. in Hurricane V7687 (KW-?) at Benhorn , engine failure during training flight, crash landed, unhurt

On 12.2.1942 with 313.Sq. in Spitfire Mk.Vb AD361 (RY-L) at Rochford, undercarriage collapsed during landing after Roadsted operation, unhurt

On 6.3.1944 with Spitfire LF Mk.IXC MK131 (RY-D) at Mendlesham, take off accident, unhurt

So either the incident on 10.4.1941 is an additional one or it has been confused with the crash on 28.4.1941.

Jan

[uckwash]

Jan, thankyou. It would be good to see the ORB (615sqn record).

1)Local ARP report:
Hurricane. A 615 Squadron Hurricane flown by Sgt. Spacek came down at Sprats Brook Farm, Eridge

2)ABS says:
Z2637, later sent to Russia

3)Foreman's '1941 The Turning Point "force landed at Tunbridge Wells, Sgt Spacek unhurt".

I am inclined to think he brought this a/c in to here, without damage.

Dave