With structural failure seemingly imminent, Lancaster opted to eject from the aircraft using its Martin-Baker Mk.1 ejection seat, and thus became the first British pilot to use the apparatus in a "live" emergency. It was fortunate that Lancaster was alone in the aircraft, as the second crew member was never provided with an ejection seat.
Given the aircraft's structural failure, Lancaster decided to eject from the plane using his Martin-Baker Mk.1 ejection seat, becoming the first British pilot to do so in a real emergency situation. It was fortunate that Lancaster was alone as the second crew member did not have an ejection seat.