EARL WOODROW WARD - Earl Ward completed his Elementary Flying Training at No. 12 EFTS Goderich before being posted to Centralia. Ward, a native of St. John, New Brunswick, received the following assessment from Squadron Leader H.E. King, Chief Instructor at Sky Harbour, Goderich: “Appears conscientious and hard working type. Inclined to work slowly but quite reliable. Aerobatics and precision need practice.” After Ward completed his pilot training at Centralia, Group Captain Elmer Fullerton provided the following assessment: “Exceptionally hard worker tries his best at all times. Will make a competent pilot. This pupil is recommended for a commission.” While training at No. 17 Operational Training Unit, Ward was engaged in High Level Bombing at 8,000 feet. At 02:20 Ward called up on R/T from Bombing Range: “Starboard motor feathered – cannot see airfield”. All available lights were illuminated. R/T from pilot: “Permission to land losing height rapidly” Answer “Land immediately”. Ward made a tight circuit and a wide turn to the left downwind of runway, which carried the Wellington bomber BK333 beyond end of runway. The aircraft continued across the airfield losing height and crashed and caught fire on impact. An accident investigation determined the cause of the accident to be: “Loss of use of Starboard engine was initial cause. Pilot’s inability to make successful landing on one engine is root cause of accident. Using power of port engine to maintain height when doing a turn to the left considerably extended the turn, causing line error in the approach. Order to crew to bail out at safe height should have been given”.