At around four in the afternoon of the 21st May 1944, twelve Spitfire Mk.IX's from N°4 sqdn, led by Capt. Morton, took off from Sinello L.G. This was the last operation of the day, and they were to bomb, at 10 mile intervals, the railroad between CIVITANOVA and TOLENTINOs. Shortly after take-off, and as the twelve Spitfires had formed up into formation, KJ-R, developed engine trouble. The pilot, Capt. P.C.R. 'Percy' Burger was forced to return to the airfield as his engine kept cutting out. The aircraft which was fully armed for the operation, was carrying 240 rounds of 20mm, 1200 rounds of .303 ammunition, and two 250lb bombs. Also attached was an extra fuel tank of 136 liters, (30gal), carried underneath the fuselage. On the approach, and with flaps down, Capt. Burger extended the undercarriage, when the aircraft was seen to stall. He was not able to reach the runway, and touched down on a ridge just short of the runway edge. The resulting impact detonated one of the two attached 250lb bombs. The result is shown in the photos.
