There were problems with the rlease mechanism of Spitfire slipper tanks.

The malfunctioning release mechanism on the Spitfire was the cause of at least one civilian fatality.

Taking off for Rodeo 263 on the morning of 20th October 1943 PO Śliwiński, 303 Squadron, describes the following incident.
“I started today at 9.10 hours for an operational flight and after taking off switched over from the main petrol tank to the drop-tank. We were flying at low-level. When over the northern side of Heston aerodrome I felt a jerk the reason for which I could not ascertain. Some second later I heard through the wireless that I lost my drop-tank so I made a turn and switched over to the main petrol tank. The engine restarted and worked normally. I saw the burning house on which the tank dropped and informed operation of the accident.”

A secret message sent immediately to the Air Ministry and the HQ Fighter Command and others informed them of the tragedy that had occurred.

Drop tank from Spitfire F.IX MA304 hit 159 Wentworth Road Heston causing death of Miss Hilda Ripley aged 48 years. Upper part of house gutted by fire, lower part damaged by fire and water.

The squadron Engineering Officer F/O Wożniak explained the cause of the accident.

“The loss of the tank was due to defect in the locking bar of the release mechanism and action is being taken by Command to rectify this defect and modification of the release is being considered.”

The conclusion of S/L Falkowski, fully supported by G/Cpt Rosier, was:

“Defect in release mechanism caused loss of tank. P/O W. Śliwiński is a young but very good pilot, and is in no way blame for the accident.”

On the 3rd November was another incident of a damage to private property when the drop tank of Spitfire MA222 RF*A, flown by F/O Jenik, fell over Croydon. On this occasion without causing any casualties.