Two Vampires from 400 City of Toronto Fighter (Auxiliary) Sqn were practicing formation flying between Oshawa and Toronto on 29-Nov-1953. On return to RCAF Station Downsview, the pilots were carrying out a beacon approach due to poor weather. The other pilot last saw F/O Russell’s Vampire, 17081, as it entered cloud, but he did not return to the airbase and was declared missing. Following an extensive search, the Vampire was located in Lake Ontario near Whitby, ON. Flying Officer Richard W. Russell (20) died in the crash.
Sources
- The Toronto Star, November 30, 1953
- https://www.thehistoryhangar.ca/400-squadron-bay/Members/honour-roll
- https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/139516892/richard-walter-russell
- Aviation Safety Net Website
