Cadet Balfour's aircraft ran out of gas. While descending, he lost control of the machine and it fell to the farm of John H. Richardson of Scarborough's West Hill village.

Unconscious, Cadet Balfour was carried to the nearby West Hill Hotel, where Doctor T.A. Young rendered first aid. No bones were broken, however, Balfour was suffering from severe shock and was taken back to camp that evening in the ambulance.