This data is presented for open public scrutiny and correction - we want to make sure that the Roll is as accurate and complete as possible. If you can add to or correct the information below, please contact the Test Flying Memorial Project.
DATE: August 3, 1912
TAKE-OFF POINT: Larkhill
CRASH LOCATION: Larkhill
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Mersey Pusher
CREW FATALITIES: Robert Fenwick, P. (Fenwick may have been the first man to have had the title “Test Pilot” when employed by Handley Page)
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Military trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Inadequate strength and rigidity of elevator support booms caused its displacement in a gust. Cabane strut and rigging wires also failed. Aircraft fell from 300ft on to airfield
DATE: February 23, 1914
TAKE-OFF POINT: Farnborough, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Chichester Harbour, Sussex
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2
CREW FATALITIES: E.T. Haynes, Technical Obs
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Stall tests
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft entered a steep spiral descent from 500ft and did not recover. The pilot, Ronald Kemp, survived
DATE: November 5, 1914
TAKE-OFF POINT: Farnborough, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Farnborough, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c
CREW FATALITIES: E.T. Busk, P
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Busk, a Cambridge graduate, young and popular, was developing a brilliant reputation as an authority on aircraft stability. The B.E.2c he was flying was fitted with a prototype 8-cylinder air-cooled V engine
ACCIDENT DETAIL: The aircraft took off and at 1,000ft became engulfed in flame. A simple fuel leak on to the hot exhaust was determined to have been the cause.
DATE: November 1914
TAKE-OFF POINT: —
CRASH LOCATION: —
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Sopwith 807 Folder Seaplane
CREW FATALITIES: R.P. Alston, senior designer, Sopwith
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft overturned on water. Pilot V. Mahl (Asst CTP Sopwith) was rescued after swimming clear