AIRCRAFT REPORT: Harvard Airbrush 2616

IDENTIFICATION & GENERAL INFORMATION

• Type: North American Harvard Mk. II

• Model: NA-66

• Serial Number: 66-2349

• Registration: 2616

• Category: Military Trainer Aircraft

• Service Entry Date: October 21, 1940

• Location: Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada

HISTORY & INCIDENT DETAILS

The Harvard Mk. II, a renowned military training aircraft, served with No. 1 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) located at Camp Borden, Ontario. Designed for advanced pilot training, the aircraft played a critical role in preparing pilots for operational duty during World War II.

On February 14, 1942, while performing a training exercise, Harvard Airbrush 2616 sustained Category A damage following a crash into Lake Simcoe. Category A damage indicated the aircraft was destroyed or deemed beyond economical repair.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO THE INCIDENT

Details about the precise circumstances leading to the crash are limited, but given the timeframe and training context, the incident may have involved:

• Adverse weather conditions or limited Visibility.

• Pilot error during a training maneuver.

• Mechanical failure.

CURRENT STATUS

• Fate: The aircraft was destroyed in the crash and categorized as irreparable.

• Wreck Location: Lake Simcoe. The precise site of the wreck remains undocumented but could be of interest for historical or archaeological exploration.

SIGNIFICANCE

The loss of Harvard Airbrush 2616 highlights the challenges faced during intensive pilot training programs during World War II. As part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), aircraft like the Harvard Mk. II were critical in preparing thousands of pilots for wartime service, and incidents such as this were an unfortunate but expected risk.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Camp Borden Historical Archive: May provide additional records regarding No. 1 SFTS and the incident.

• Canadian Aviation Museum: For historical context on the Harvard Mk. II and its role in WWII.

• Local Dive or Historical Groups: Lake Simcoe’s wreck site could be an area of interest for underwater exploration or recovery efforts.

CONCLUSION

The crash of Harvard Airbrush 2616 serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and risks involved in wartime pilot training. Its story remains an integral part of the history of Canada’s contribution to World War II aviation efforts.