REDEMPTION

DESPITE THREE CRASHES AND A COURT MARTIAL, CANADIAN FLT LT ROBERT BUTTS WENT ON TO BECOME A PATHFINDER. TERENCE LEVERSEDGE EXPLAINS

As suggested in this March 1942 illustration by Sgt Paul A Goranson, the conditions in Gander were typically very harsh. RCAF

Those of us who’ve served the military in peacetime know that a pilot who crashes his aircraft through his own error has usually made a ‘career-limiting move’. Writing-off another one will come under intense scrutiny from superiors and a third in quick succession would be almost unheard of.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below