NG397
Crashes > of the R.A.F.
The exact location of the crash and why the Lancaster I, PD397 crashed cannot be determined with accuracy.
According to Sgt McCann's testimony, given after his release from captivity, the aircraft suddenly exploded in mid-air a few seconds after dropping the bombs. He was thrown from the plane and landed a ¾ mile outside Cologne and became a prisoner of war.
Whether a flak hit was the cause of the explosion or a jammed bomb cannot be determined. It is also possible that the PD397 was hit by parts of the exploded ND388 (proven crash site "Köln-Butzweilerhof").
The crew, except for Sgt. McCann, was recovered dead. Butzweilerhof" is stated as the place where the plane was found. However, this information is very probably incorrect. This information can also be found on the death certificates of the crew of NF420, which demonstrably did not crash in Cologne, but in Sinnersdorf.
There is no reference to the crash in the police files from that day.