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DATE: March 5, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Brough, Yorks
CRASH LOCATION: Flixborough, Lincs
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Blackburn Botha L6129
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off B.R. Rolfe, Blackburn TP; Mr J.B.E. Johnson, Blackburn FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Test Flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Dived into ground
DATE: March 6, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Baginton, Coventry
CRASH LOCATION: Baginton, Coventry
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mk II K7243
CREW FATALITIES: Mr ? Godfrey, Air Service Training TP; Mr D.V. Edward, AW FTO; Mr ?, DH Propeller Co FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Testing AW Deerhound engine and installation
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Stalled on take-off at full nose-up trim
DATE: April 7, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Dumbarton, Duns
CRASH LOCATION: Sea off Gourock Head, Isle of Bute
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Blackburn B-20 V8914
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt H. Bailey, Blackburn CTP; Mr ?, Blackburn FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Prototype flight trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Loss of control possibly due to aileron flutter at high speed. Pilot baled out too late, three crew baled out successfully, but one drowned
DATE: May 21, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Filton, Bristol
CRASH LOCATION: ?
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Beaufort Mk I L4442
CREW FATALITIES: ?, TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: ?
ACCIDENT DETAIL: ?
DATE: May 26, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Dumbarton, Duns
CRASH LOCATION: Abbotsinch, Strathclyde
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Blackburn Botha L6377
CREW FATALITIES: ?, TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: ?
ACCIDENT DETAIL: ?
DATE: June 12, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Filton, Bristol
CRASH LOCATION: South Hinksey, Berks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Beaufort Mk I L4443
CREW FATALITIES: Mr C.A. Washer, Bristol TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Engine cooling trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Engine failure and fire. Two FTOs baled out successfully before impact
DATE: June 12, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Dumbarton, Duns
CRASH LOCATION: Abbotsinch, Strathclyde
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Blackburn Botha L6390
CREW FATALITIES: ?, TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: ?
ACCIDENT DETAIL: ?
DATE: July 8, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Brough, Yorks
CRASH LOCATION: ?
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Blackburn Botha Mk I L6205
CREW FATALITIES: ?
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: ?
ACCIDENT DETAIL: ?
DATE: August 1, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Gosport, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Solent off Ryde Pier, IoW
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Vickers Vildebeest K6408
CREW FATALITIES: Plt Off A. Bailey, TP; AC2 Budd, Photographer
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Torpedo dropping trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Failure to recover from stall turn after torpedo drop
DATE: August 28, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Brooklands, Surrey
CRASH LOCATION: Brooklands, Surrey
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Hurricane Mk II Z2340
CREW FATALITIES: Mr E.G.H. Russell-Stacey, Hawker TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: First flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Engine failure on take-off
DATE: September 5, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Boscombe Down, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Avro Anson R9815
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off K. Munro, P; Flt Lt E.J. Always, P; Sgt C.J. Hames, WOp/AG; Sgt F.W.K. Wood, Obs
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Beam approach development flight whilst enemy aircraft were in area
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Wing struck ground on final approach
DATE: September 17, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Christchurch, Dorset
CRASH LOCATION: Longford Castle (Salisbury), Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Blenheim Mk IV P4830
CREW FATALITIES: Sgt T. Budden, P; Capt P.J. Fulton; Lt R.A. Jefferies
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Aircraft acting as target for AI-equipped Beaufighter. Two officers from 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers on board to observe South Coast beach defences
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Starboard engine failed, control lost whilst attempting forced landing
DATE: October 1, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Exeter, Devon
CRASH LOCATION: Wembdon Hill, Bridgewater, Somerset
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Fairey Battle Mk I K9223
CREW FATALITIES: Mr R.O. Tipple, RAE Farnborough FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: New weapon tests in aircraft modified for balloon cable impact trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Anti-spin parachute accidentally deployed. Pilot baled out after FTO became trapped and unable to escape
DATE: October 22, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Bower Chalke, Salisbury, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Handley Page Hampden Mk I P4354
CREW FATALITIES: Mr E.L. Oakley, Photographer; Mr J.W. Parsons, Photographer
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Air-to-air photographic sortie with Brewster Buffalo Mk I AS430
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Both pilots escaped by parachute after their aircraft collided
DATE: November 16, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Filton, Bristol
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Blenheim Mk IV L4893
CREW FATALITIES: Plt Off G.E. Stansbury, TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft stalled on the approach to Filton at the end of a ferry flight from A&AEE. Pilot was very experienced with 1,750hr
DATE: December 4, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Brockworth, Glos
CRASH LOCATION: Robins Wood Hill, Brockworth, Glos
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Hurricane Mk I N2497
CREW FATALITIES: Mr J.W. Hathorne, Gloster TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Test flight after major repair
ACCIDENT DETAIL: After take-off aircraft entered mist, pilot probably manœuvred to avoid barrage balloons but struck trees
DATE: February 21, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Unknown
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Hurricane Mk II Z2398
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off L.G.H. Kells, TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: High-altitude test flight, petrol-heating trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Posted missing
DATE: March 1, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Hanging Langford, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Curtiss Mohawk Mk II BK877
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr J.E. Dutton AFC, TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Gun heating trials, climb to high altitude
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft dived out of cloud on fire
DATE: April 28, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Christchurch, Dorset
CRASH LOCATION: Sea off Hengistbury Head
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Fairey Battle Mk I K9230
CREW FATALITIES: Plt Off A.C. James
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Engine failure during calibration flight in conjunction with Worth Matravers radar
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Crashed in sea, pilot drowned. (Lt Andrew Page, Lancashire Fusiliers, awarded GM for the gallantry of his rescue attempt)
DATE: May 26, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Hucknall, Notts
CRASH LOCATION: RAF Tern Hill, Salop
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Avro Manchester Mk I L7295
CREW FATALITIES: Mr R. Kirlew, Rolls-Royce TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Engine trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Failure in cooling system led to fire in one engine and forced landing short of Tern Hill runway threshold. Other three crew members survived
DATE: June 14, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Filton, Bristol
CRASH LOCATION: Shepperdine, Glos
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Beaufort Mk I AW215
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt E.J. Sharp, Bristol TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Engine fire spread to cockpit area. Pilot unable to bale out before crash
DATE: June 22, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: West Raynham, Norfolk
CRASH LOCATION: Catterick Bridge, Yorks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Boeing Flying Fortress Mk I AN522
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt J.C.M. Hawley, P; Capt F. Bradley, P (USAAC); Sgt P. Black, Obs; Sgt J.G. Garwood, WOp; Sgt T.J. Wells, AG; Sqn Ldr A.H. Robson, MO; Flt Lt J.B.W. Humpherson DFC, RAF Physiology Lab; Lt W.K. Stewart AFC, Doctor RAF Physiology Lab
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: High-altitude physiological research flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft entered cumulo-nimbus cloud when control was soon lost and aircraft broke up in a dive from 30,000ft
DATE: July 3, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Farnborough, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Over Wallop, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk II P8273
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt S.A. Ellaby, RAE High Altitude Test Flight TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Flight to altitude compiling temperature records
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft hit ground during subsequent aerobatics
DATE: July 17, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Christchurch, Dorset
CRASH LOCATION: Unknown
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Blenheim Mk IV P4832
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt D.L. Rayment AFC, P; Sgt R. Sadler, WOp/AG
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Calibration flight in conjunction with Worth Matravers radar
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Lost at sea. Possible engine fire
DATE: July 21, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Hucknall, Notts
CRASH LOCATION: RAF Tern Hill, Salop
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Hurricane Mk II Z2316
CREW FATALITIES: Mr D.R. McCartney, Rolls-Royce TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Engine test flight to obtain data on modified connecting-rod bearings with negative-g carburettor programme
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Stalled on approach
DATE: September 20, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Christchurch, Dorset
CRASH LOCATION: English Channel, 12 miles south of Christchurch
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Westland Lysander Mk III T1439
CREW FATALITIES: Sgt F.I. Russell, WOp/AG
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Telecommunications Flying Unit sortie
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Ran out of fuel owing to failure to receive recall instructions. Pilot survived, WOp/AG drowned after ditching
DATE: October 21, 1940
TAKE-OFF POINT: Helensburgh. Argyll
CRASH LOCATION: Faslane, Argyll
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Saunders-Roe Lerwick L7248
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt J.C. Alexander, MAEE TP; Plt Off Mills, MAEE TP; LAC Gianella; LAC McLaughlin; AC1 Bullocke; AC2 Hunter; Mr Such, MAEE
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Prototype calibration flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Failure of starboard engine resulted in inability to maintain height and aircraft flew into hillside
DATE: November 29, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Hurn, Dorset
CRASH LOCATION: Chesil Bank, Dorset
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Blenheim Mk IV L9405
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt A.M. Dunlop, P
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Target aircraft for AI trial
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Became lost in deteriorating weather. Attempted landing on Chesil Bank but rolled into sea. WOp/AG survived
DATE: December 19, 1941
TAKE-OFF POINT: Ringway, Manchester
CRASH LOCATION: Near Ringway, Manchester
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: General Aircraft Hotspur Mk II BT488
CREW FATALITIES: Sgt J.V. Rutter, P; Lt D.N. Timms, Obs (both Airborne Forces Establishment); Volunteers – Sgt H. Harrison; Pte H.E. Hornby; Pte L.W. Felton; Pte M. Pilkington; Pte G.M. Keogh – all of the Border Regiment, part of the First Air Landing Brigade
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: The Hotspur, under tow, was undertaking air sickness trials of more than 2hr duration.
ACCIDENT DETAIL: After 1½hr, deteriorating weather brought the trials to a close and the Hotspur was released from the tug, instantly climbing steeply, stalling and entering a spin. The spin was recovered but the glider entered a steep dive impacting a field and disintegrating, killing all on board
DATE: January 7, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Gosport, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Gosport, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Beaufort Mk IIA
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off H.E.C. Elliott, P; AC1 StC.R.J. Andrews – both of Aerial Torpedo Development Unit
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Engine failure on take-off
DATE: February 4, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Farnborough, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Farnborough, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Curtiss Mohawk Mk IV
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr G.R. Fielder, RAE Engine Research Flight TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Test of new engine installation
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft stalled, after engine failure, whilst attempting a forced landing
DATE: February 11, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Boscombe Down, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bell Airacobra Mk I
CREW FATALITIES: Wg Cdr W.S. Jenkins, A&AEE TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Engine failed at 600ft after take-off, pilot attempted to return but lost control and spun-in on to airfield
DATE: February 28, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Shalbourne, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Armstrong-Whitworth Albemarle Mk I P1368
CREW FATALITIES: Plt Off J.C. Fisher RCAF, P; Plt Off T.W. Caxton RCAF, P; Flt Sgt D.L. Mullins
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Intensive flying trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Failure of the starboard engine led to the feathering of the propeller on that side. The aircraft was by then on the brink of a stall but a flat turn to the right was attempted. The starboard wing dropped and the aircraft spun-in from 500ft
DATE: March 24, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Lytchett Minster, Dorset
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Consolidated Liberator Mk II AL546
CREW FATALITIES: Wg Cdr J.M. McGuire AFC, OC Performance Test Squadron A&AEE (Wg Cdr McGuire was later awarded a posthumous Bar to his AFC)
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Performance test flight involving partial climbs
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Electrical faults were experienced, then the starboard outer engine overspeeded and caught fire. The crew, unable to operate the fire extinguishers, were ordered by the Wing Commander to bale out. All did so successfully just before the aircraft began to disintegrate. The Wing Commander was unable to bale out and died in the crash
DATE: April 14, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Charlton, Malmesbury
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Avro Lancaster Mk I R5539
CREW FATALITIES: Wg Cdr P.S. Salter, OC Handling Flight; Sqn Ldr J.D. Harris DFC; Flt Lt N.G. Wilson; Fg Off E.F. Wakelin; Sgt K.J. Jones
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Performance test flight involving high-speed dives from 13,000ft, three at one-third throttle, three at full throttle
ACCIDENT DETAIL: After 1½hr the aircraft was seen to pull out of a dive and to roll inverted. After recovery to normal flight a large section of the port top wing skin detached. The aircraft dived into the ground
DATE: April 24, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Aldermaston, Berks
CRASH LOCATION: Aldermaston, Berks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IV BR413
CREW FATALITIES: Lt J. Wakefield RNVR, Supermarine Production TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Crashed on take-off avoiding training aeroplane
DATE: May 6, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Boscombe Down, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Miles Master Mk I T8852
CREW FATALITIES: AC2 Frank Edmond Bartlett
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Flight test of Miles inertia device requiring dives from 10,000ft with rear seat occupied
ACCIDENT DETAIL: On sixth dive at 6,000ft whilst pulling out at 7g, the port wing failed, control was lost and, with extreme difficulty, the pilot baled out. The aircraft crashed close to the airfield, killing the passenger
DATE: May 19, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Speke, Lancs
CRASH LOCATION: Mold, Flintshire
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Handley Page Halifax Mk II DG223
CREW FATALITIES: Mr A. Smith, Rootes Trainee Engineer
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Vibration flight test
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Incorrectly assembled isolation cock led to failure of all four engines and wheels-up forced landing. Nose section destroyed on impact with hedge
DATE: June 7, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Defford, Worcs
CRASH LOCATION: Welsh Bicknor, Herefords
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Handley Page Halifax Mk II V9977
CREW FATALITIES: Plt Off D.J.D. Berrington, P; Fg Off A.M. Phillips, P; Flt Sgt G. Millar, Nav; AC2 B.C.F. Bicknell, WOp/AG; LAC B.D.G. Dear, Flt Eng; Sqn Ldr R.J. Samsom, Bomber Command; Plt Off C.E. Vincent, H₂S Development Flight; Mr A.D. Blumlein, EMI; Mr F. Blyton, EMI; Mr C.O. Brown, EMI; Mr G.S. Hensby, FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Magnetron H₂S development flight by aircraft of the Telecommunications Research Establishment
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Fire in flame trap of starboard outer engine spread, igniting fuel tanks and causing failure of outer wing structure. Aircraft crashed inverted from 5,000ft
DATE: June 16, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Gosport, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Alverstoke, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Beaufighter Mk VIC X8065
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off M.O. Davenport, TDU TP; Wg Cdr Shaw, CO TDU
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Torpedo trials over Stokes Bay
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Port engine failed during turn to port at 200ft. Aircraft rolled inverted into sea
DATE: June 18, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Henley, Berks
CRASH LOCATION: Lurgashall, Sussex
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IV BR643
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off C.R. Jarred, Supermarine TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Engine failure. Impacted trees in course of forced landing and caught fire
DATE: June 26, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Great West Aerodrome, Hayes, Middx
CRASH LOCATION: Wokingham, Berks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Fairey Firefly Mk I Z1827
CREW FATALITIES: Mr C.S. Staniland, Fairey Aviation CTP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Test flight at 10,000ft involving phugoidal oscillations
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Sudden dive to 6,000ft and cessation of engine noise. Aircraft then assumed climbing attitude before entering flat spin and parts of the structure began to break away. The pilot made no attempt to escape
DATE: July 1, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: RAF Sutton Bridge, Lincs
CRASH LOCATION: Sutton Bridge, Lincs
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC Z2415
CREW FATALITIES: Wg Cdr A.F.R. Bennett, RAE Farnborough Inst and Armament Dev Flight TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Experimental weapon test
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Returning from successful first half of test there was an explosion under the port wing in the area of trial equipment. A fire broke out and shortly thereafter the wing detached and the aircraft crashed
DATE: July 12, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Stanley, Derbyshire
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Vickers Wellington Mk VI W5795
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr C.L.F. Colmore, High Alt Flight A&AEE TP; Plt Off K. Radford, AG; Sgt A.J. Smith, Obs; Sgt R.P. Gillott, WOp/AG; Mr C.V. Abbott, FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft dived at high speed from high altitude after pilot was injured by detached propeller blade penetrating pressure cabin
DATE: July 17, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Helensburgh, Argyll
CRASH LOCATION: Sea off Helensburgh
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Walrus Mk I L2179
CREW FATALITIES: LAC ?
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft flown by test pilot of MAEE. Landed on water wheels-down and sank. LAC ? presumed drowned, three others including Sqn Ldr P.R. Hatfield, TP, survived
DATE: July 23, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Cowley, Oxon
CRASH LOCATION: Cumnor, Oxon
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk V AA874
CREW FATALITIES: Mr R.H. Carew, 1 CRU TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft climbed into a very black cloud about 5min after take-off. Moments later it emerged, diving at high speed straight into the ground
DATE: August 6, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorks
CRASH LOCATION: Allerton Park, Yorks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: General Aircraft Hotspur Mk II BT546
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Sgt E.G. Travis, AFEE TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Part of three-glider tow behind Halifax
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Cockpit hood broke away. Pilot cast off but hit tree attempting forced landing
DATE: August 11, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Langley, Berks
CRASH LOCATION: Thorpe, Surrey
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Typhoon Mk I B R7692
CREW FATALITIES: Mr K.G. Seth-Smith, Hawker Aircraft TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Tail detached due to fatigue failure of bracket holding elevator mass balance. This accident provided the first clear evidence of the cause of many Typhoon fatal accidents
DATE: August 16, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Defford, Worcs
CRASH LOCATION: Ampney Crucis, Cirencester, Glos
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Avro Anson Mk I DJ184
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt E. Brown, Defford Telecommunications Flying Unit P; Fg Off D.T. Sellick DFC, P; Fg Off G.F. Sellick, AG; Fg Off A.J. Marsh, Radio Location Op; LAC H.D. McCallum; AC2 R.F. Umery (two crews, 1 to fly second aircraft from Boscombe on trials)
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Upper wing fabric tore away from structure, aircraft disintegrated in dive to earth from 2,000ft
DATE: August 26, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Shrewton, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Vickers Warwick Mk I BV214
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr W.J. Carr AFC, P; Cpl R.M. Leach, Fitter; Cpl E. Shenton, AG; Mr E.R. Staniland, Vickers FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Aircraft flying with Performance Test Squadron A&AEE on static vent trials and handling at all-up weight of 43,000lb. These involved shallow dives at 300 m.p.h.
ACCIDENT DETAIL: In one of these dives, the fabric covering of the port mainplane detached and control was lost
DATE: September 12, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Wing, Bucks
CRASH LOCATION: Wing, Bucks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Martin-Baker MB-3 R2492
CREW FATALITIES: Capt H. Valentine Baker MC AFC
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Prototype aircraft on ninth flight suffered engine failure on take-off at 150ft. Destroyed in resulting crash landing
DATE: September 24, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Bulford Camp, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Beaufighter Mk VIC EL329/G
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr V.M. Bright, Armament Test Sqn A&AEE TP; LAC R.F. Brown, Armourer
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Rocket projectile trials over Compton Ranges
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Pilot indicated by wing rocking that he would not compete the trials. He flew off towards Boscombe Down but suddenly rolled and crashed to the ground
DATE: October 7, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Defford, Worcs
CRASH LOCATION: Bredon Hill, Conderton, Worcs
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC BN878
CREW FATALITIES: Plt Off N.H.G. Snelgrove RCAF, TFU Defford P
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: 37min after take-off, the pilot called on R/T for a vector to base. 3min later he flew into Bredon Hill
DATE: October 21, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Acklington, Northumb
CRASH LOCATION: Unknown
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Typhoon Mk IB R7867
CREW FATALITIES: Mr P.E.G. Sayer, Gloster Aircraft CTP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: The aircraft was engaged on tests of a gunsight involving gun firing into Druridge Bay Ranges
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Mr Sayer never returned
DATE: October 23, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Warmwell, Dorset
CRASH LOCATION: Upway, Dorchester, Dorset
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB Z4993/G
CREW FATALITIES: Wg Cdr H.R. Allen, Ministry of Aircraft Production TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: The aircraft was engaged in rocket projectile trials in conditions of poor visibility
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Whilst heading for Lyme Bay it crashed into Ridgeway Hill
DATE: October 23, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Castle Bromwich, Birmingham
CRASH LOCATION: Cannock, Staffs
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk VB ER713
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt L.V. Sanders DFC, Vickers-Armstrongs TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Structural failure
DATE: October 31, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Farnborough, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Hartford Bridge, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: General Aircraft Hotspur Mk II B821
CREW FATALITIES: Mr D.H.M. Horner, RAE FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: The glider was testing parachute dive landing technique in which a 7ft-diameter parachute was deployed to allow 8,000ft/min rate of descent
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Pull-out was initiated too late. Only the pilot survived, seriously injured in the crash
DATE: November 6, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Ringway, Manchester
CRASH LOCATION: Ringway, Manchester
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Fairey Barracuda Mk I P9661
CREW FATALITIES: Mr V.G. Wilson, Fairey Aviation TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Test flight to assess aileron effectiveness necessitating dive at maximum speed of 315kt
ACCIDENT DETAIL: On pull-out at between 3,000ft and 2,000ft, parts of the structure detached and the aircraft progressively became uncontrollable, finally diving-in just outside the airfield
DATE: December 13, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Defford, Worcs
CRASH LOCATION: Craiglockhart View, Edinburgh
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Vickers Wellington Mk III X3707
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off T.L. French, P; WO A. McFadyen, WOp; Flt Sgt J.R. Harper, Radar Op; Flt Sgt C. McGregor, WOp/AG; Lt S. Kaulis, US Army Signal Corps, TFU Defford
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Experimental flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: 1hr into the flight, the special equipment on board failed and the aircraft was instructed to return to base. At some stage shortly thereafter the port engine failed and, after passing over Turnhouse, aircraft entered stall and spun-in
DATE: December 23, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Coltishall, Norfolk
CRASH LOCATION: At sea east of Cromer
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Beaufighter Mk VI V8387
CREW FATALITIES:Sqn Ldr H.H.B. Mould, P; Dr A.E. Downing, TFU Defford FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Flying from Coltishall the aircraft was engaged in trials with another Beaufighter when both were attacked by a pair of Spitfires
ACCIDENT DETAIL: V8387 was last seen burning on the water
DATE: December 23, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Mottisfont, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX BS139
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt G.L. Campbell DFC, Performance Test Squadron A&AEE TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Trials with 30gal overload tank at high altitude to determine performance
ACCIDENT DETAIL: 44min after take-off, aircraft was heard descending to the south-west. It impacted at Cadbury Farm in dense fog
DATE: December 29, 1942
TAKE-OFF POINT: Hucknall, Notts
CRASH LOCATION: Rearsby, Leics
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX EN114
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off S.T. Hollick, Rolls-Royce TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Full throttle speed trails at 25,000ft
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Pilot mishandled oxygen connection and became anoxic. Aircraft dived in from altitude
DATE: February 4, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Sutton Scotney, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Handley Page Halifax Mk II W7917
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt S.F. Reiss, Performance Test Sqn A&AEE TP; Sgt J. Fielding, Flt Eng; Mr J.J. Unwin MBE, FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Rudder angle test
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft dived from 12,000ft, pulled into stall turn then entered flat spin and crashed in that condition. Top half of one rudder was found to have broken away
DATE: February 14, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Hatfield, Herts
CRASH LOCATION: Colney Heath, Herts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: de Havilland Mosquito Mk VI HJ664
CREW FATALITIES: Mr C.B. Critchley, de Havilland TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: First production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: ½hr after take-off, aircraft was seen executing slow rolls at 3,000ft. Seconds later it entered a spin from which it did not recover
DATE: March 30, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Benson, Oxon
CRASH LOCATION: Benson, Oxon
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk PR Mk IV
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr R.V. Whitehead DFC, RAE Photo TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft encountered severe downdraught in the course of low-level circuit of airfield and one wing hit a hut. Aircraft crashed and burned out. Two RAF personnel killed on ground
DATE: May 17, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Luton, Beds
CRASH LOCATION: Eaton Bray, Beds
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Percival Proctor Mk I P5998
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off K.R. Russell, Ministry of Aircraft Production TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: During the flight the starboard leading edge landing-light Perspex cover collapsed leading to disintegration of starboard wing. The flight test observer on board survived the crash
DATE: June 3, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Filton, Bristol
CRASH LOCATION: ?
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Beaufort Mk I JM551
CREW FATALITIES: ?, Bristol Aeroplane Co TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: An intense fire broke out in the port engine. The flight test observer baled out almost immediately but the pilot was unable to do so before the aircraft went out of control
DATE: July 16, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Defford, Worcs
CRASH LOCATION: Ashton Under Hill, Worcs
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Lockheed Hudson Mk VI FK571
CREW FATALITIES: Plt Off A.G. Slaughter RAAF, P; Sqn Ldr J.A. Meade
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Air test
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Port engine running rough. Pilot inadvertantly feathered starboard engine; port engine then stopped. Aircraft stalled in attempted forced landing
DATE: July 29, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Cranage, Cheshire
CRASH LOCATION: Cranage, Cheshire
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Vickers Wellington Mk X HE819
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off Rouff, Vickers TP; Mr E. Booth, Aircraft Inspector
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Stalled on approach, burnt out on airfield
DATE: August 23, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Hatfield, Herts
CRASH LOCATION: St Albans, Herts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: de Havilland Mosquito Mk VI HJ734 and HX897
CREW FATALITIES: Mr J. de Havilland, TP; Mr J.H.F. Scrope, Technical Assistant; Mr G.V. Gibbens, TP; Mr G.J. Carter, Flight Shed Foreman
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft violently collided at 500ft and disintegrated
DATE: August 26, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Woodley, Berks
CRASH LOCATION: Hurley, Maidenhead, Berks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Miles Master Mk II DM239
CREW FATALITIES: Mr B. Field, Miles Aircraft TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Flight test of repaired aircraft with reported rough-running engine
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Entered terminal velocity dive, but at 400 m.p.h. entered cloud and began to break up. Flight test observer thrown clear and opened parachute, descending safely
DATE: September 6, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Brockworth, Glos
CRASH LOCATION: Brockworth, Glos
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle Mk II V1708
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off A. Wilson, Armstrong Whitworth TP; Mr F. Cole; Mr B. Latham; Mr R. Sands
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Second production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: 45min after take-off, aircraft seen with port engine feathered (fluctuating oil pressure had been reported). On approach to Brockworth, control was lost at 100ft in rain and gusty wind. Struck ground and totally burned out
DATE: September 10, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: High Post, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Avro Lancaster Mk III JA894
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt F.J. Robinson, Performance Test Squadron A&AEE TP; Flt Sgt J.W. Bamber, Flight Engineer; Mr R. Stevenson, FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Aircraft engaged on position error trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Turning to commence fourth run over Boscombe Down at 160 m.p.h. and 50ft, an Oxford Trainer on finals to High Post airfield collided with it. The three occupants of the Oxford also died
DATE: October 13, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Speke, Liverpool
CRASH LOCATION: Speke, Liverpool
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: North American Mustang Mk III FX919
CREW FATALITIES: Mr J.P.W. Topham, Lockheed Speke TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: First test flight after reassembly
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Engine failed immediately after take-off. Pilot forced-landed on Mersey mud flats but rutted mud broke up aircraft and pilot was thrown out and killed
DATE: October 15, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Brough, Yorks
CRASH LOCATION: Scunthorpe, Lincs
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Fairey Barracuda Mk II BV825
CREW FATALITIES: Mr D.A. Terrill, Blackburn Aircraft TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft was heard above cloud with engine running intermittently. It broke cloud shortly afterwards in steep dive, trailing smoke and at high speed. No recovery was apparently attempted before impact
DATE: October 17, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Defford, Worcs
CRASH LOCATION: Overbury, Worcs
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: de Havilland Mosquito Mk IV DZ345
CREW FATALITIES: Wg Cdr A.S.B. Blomfield DFC, P; Cpl G.R. Stevenson
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Air test to check stability and feathering
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Weather was rapidy worsening and aircraft flew into Bleadon Hill
DATE: October 21, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Brockworth, Glos
CRASH LOCATION: Purton, Glos
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle Mk II V1741
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off N.G. Donald, Armstrong Whitworth TP; Mr T. Timms; two ATC cadets on air experience also lost their lives (J.F.S. Cheriton and L.W. White)
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft was seen, at 3,000ft, to commence a turn to the left which developed into an increasingly steep dive. This was finally recovered but the aircraft struck the ground flat at high speed
DATE: November 3, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, Yorks
CRASH LOCATION: Enthorpe House, Market Weighton, Yorks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Handley Page Halifax Mk V LK681
CREW FATALITIES: Miss D. Robson BSc, RAE Farnborough bombsight technician. NOTE: all six members of the Halifax’s operational crew also lost their lives. They were members of 76 Squadron
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Air test prior to operations. Miss Robson flew instead of one crew member to check and adjust a new bombsight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: The aircraft impacted high ground in poor visibility
DATE: November 24, 1943
TAKE-OFF POINT: Defford, Worcs
CRASH LOCATION: Aircraft returned safely
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Consolidated B-24D Liberator 42-40987
CREW FATALITIES: Sgt B.R. Minson
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: High-altitude equipment trial
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Sergeant Minson was found to have collapsed during the conduct of tests at 26,000ft. His oxygen connection had become disconnected. He never regained consciousness
DATE: January 4, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Farnborough, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Farnborough, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Gloster F.9/40 DG204/G
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr W.D.B.S. Davie AFC, RAE Turbine Flight TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: High-speed trials at 20,000ft
ACCIDENT DETAIL: During a run the port Metrovick engine exploded. In attempting to abandon the aircraft, the pilot lost his left arm and when he finally escaped he was killed hitting the tailplane. The wreckage of DG204/G fell on RAE buildings
DATE: January 14, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: HMS Chaser
CRASH LOCATION: Clyde Estuary
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Seafire Mk IIC MB141
CREW FATALITIES: Lt K.J. Robinson DSC RN, Aero Flight RAE TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Rocket-assisted take-off trials on HMS Chaser
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft crashed into Clyde estuary when landing back on the carrier
DATE: January 18, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: West Freugh, Wigtowns
CRASH LOCATION: ?
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Handley Page Hampden Mk I P1216
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off B. Coombis, P; Fg Off A.G.A. Overall, Nav; LAC E.T. Pottinger, Bombing Trials Unit WOp
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Low-level bombing trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: During turn to port, aircraft stalled and hit ground
DATE: January 20, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Langley, Berks
CRASH LOCATION: ?
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Tempest Mk V JN747
CREW FATALITIES: Mr P.E. Raw, Hawker TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft crashed and burned out
DATE: March 1, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Goodworth, Clatford, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Fairey Firefly Mk I Z1839
CREW FATALITIES: Wg Cdr P.F. Webster DSO DFC & Bar, Performance Test Squadron A&AEE TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Rate-of-roll trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft broke up after multiple rolls to port and starboard and spun-in (pilot had graduated from the first ETPS course the day before)
DATE: March 15, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Helensburgh, Argyll
CRASH LOCATION: Helensburgh, Argyll
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Short Scion Senior L9786
CREW FATALITIES: Mr H.G. White, MAEE Helensburgh FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Aircraft was fitted with a revised Sunderland hull shape on struts beneath its hull to test its water performance
ACCIDENT DETAIL: An attempt was made to fly off from the Clyde when the aircraft was covered in frost. It stalled back into the water and sank. Two of the three crew survived
DATE: March 24, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Grateley, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Typhoon Mk IB JR448
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off D. Grundy, Special Duties Flight A&AEE TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Smoke-laying demonstration followed by practice attacks on a Boston
ACCIDENT DETAIL: After a steep climbing turn the aircraft inverted and dived into the ground
DATE: March 26, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Crichel Down, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Typhoon Mk IB JR307
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr H.N. Fowler MC, Armament Test Squadron A&AEE TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Dive-bombing trials dropping 500lb bombs in dives from 10,000ft to release point at 4,000ft
ACCIDENT DETAIL: On climb-out, aircraft broke up. Possible loss of tail unit?
DATE: April 25, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Defford, Worcs
CRASH LOCATION: Wolverton, Salop
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Bristol Beaufighter Mk VI EL167
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off J.H. Silvester, TFU Defford Nav
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Experimental flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Starboard engine failed and caught fire. Aircraft hit trees after a misjudged forced landing as a result of inability to lower flaps. Pilot survived
DATE: April 27, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Moreton Valence, Glos
CRASH LOCATION: Minchinhampton, Glos
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Gloster F.9/40 DG205/G
CREW FATALITIES: Mr J.A. Crosby-Warren, Gloster Aircraft TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Trials to reduce aileron instability at high altitude
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Trim tab detached. Aircraft rolled inverted and crashed
DATE: May 15, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Rearsby, Leics
CRASH LOCATION: Rearsby, Leics
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Auster Mk IV MT454
CREW FATALITIES: Mr A.L. Wykes, TP (company founder)
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Demonstrating chandelles
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Stalled on top of a turn at low altitude and crashed near airfield
DATE: May 22, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Newton Tony, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Handley Page Halifax Mk II BB319
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Sgt E.L. Bunce, P; Mr J. Hall, RAE Farnborough Instrument & Armament Development Flight FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Autopilot flight trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Starboard outer engine failed on take off and, shortly afterwards, starboard wing dropped and hit ground causing aircraft to cartwheel. First pilot and four flight test observers survived
DATE: July 4, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Farnborough, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Odiham, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Vickers Wellington GR Mk 14 HF352
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt A.W. Fraser DFC RAAF, RAE Wireless & Electrical Flight TP; WO S. Bickell; Sgt K. Popejoy; AC1 S. Parsons; Mr D.W. Parker, FTO; Mr R.D. Erkstine, FTO; Mr K. Dart, FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Flight was tasked with testing the R1530 auto alarm radio
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Engine failure led to attempted forced landing, wheels-up, at Odiham; aircraft stalled into a copse
DATE: July 4, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Chilmark, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Vickers Wellington Mk III X3549
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt N.J. Bonnar AFC; Flt Lt L.R. Brady (students of No 2 Course ETPS)
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Longitudinal stability tests involving hands-off flying increasing/decreasing speed by 10 m.p.h. and observing the aircraft’s subsequent behaviour
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft was seen to dive steeply into ground
DATE: July 29, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Staverton, Glos
CRASH LOCATION: Staverton, Glos
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX JL349
CREW FATALITIES: Mr J. Hall, Rotol TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Endurance test of experimental contraprop
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Prop broke up in circuit, damaging aircraft, which dived into the ground
DATE: August 8, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Woodley, Berks
CRASH LOCATION: Wokingham, Berks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Miles Monitor Mk I NF900
CREW FATALITIES: Mr P.F. Ainsbury, A&AEE FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Initial flight by A&AEE crew following trials of manufacturer
ACCIDENT DETAIL: In-flight fire in port engine and wing. Pilot baled out with considerable difficulty, FTO found in wreckage
DATE: August 9, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Blandford, Dorset
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: de Havilland Mosquito B Mk 20 KB209
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt H.J. Camps, A&AEE High Altitude Flight TP; Flt Lt T.G. Thomas, A&AEE High Altitude Flight TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft seen to dive from 5,000ft to 1,000ft, roll inverted and hit the ground
DATE: August 24, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Downton, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC HW187
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr J.E. Pettigrew, OC Gun Proofing Flt A&AEE TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Gunnery test flight with Hurricane KX176
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Flying back to Boscombe from ranges HW187 suddenly turned to starboard and collided with other aircraft. HW187 spun into the ground; KX176 forced-landed safely nearby
DATE: September 11, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Woodford, Cheshire
CRASH LOCATION: Alderley Edge, Lancs
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Avro Lancaster Mk III PB579
CREW FATALITIES: Mr S. Gleave, TP; Mr H. Barnes, Avro Aircraft
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Routine terminal-velocity dive to 375 m.p.h.
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Fuel jettison pipes broke away, hit tailplane and stripped elevator skin. Aircraft dived into ground (one aircraft in ten off the production line was subjected to TV dive. This was the only accident in 400 such dives)
DATE: September 13, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: High Post, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: High Post, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spiteful NN660
CREW FATALITIES: Mr F.C. Furlong, Supermarine Deputy CTP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: During a mock low-level dogfight with a Spitfire, also on test, NN660 flicked inverted and dived into the ground
DATE: October 11, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Castle Bromwich
CRASH LOCATION: Nuneaton Airfield
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX RR237
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt J.H. Brew, Supermarine TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: First production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft dived vertically at very high speed out of low cloud and impacted ground
DATE: October 31, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorks
CRASH LOCATION: Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle ST Mk V V1762
CREW FATALITIES: Plt Off J.G. Swain, Flight Engineer; LAC W. Griffiths, Aircraft Fitter
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Air test of new engines
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Very shortly after take-off port engine began to vibrate seriously and was throttled back to quarter power. Pilot completed short circuit but lost control and entered stall turn to port before striking ground after dive from 500ft
DATE: December 16, 1944
TAKE-OFF POINT: Baginton, Coventry
CRASH LOCATION: Long Marston, Warwicks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Avro Lancaster Mk I NG435
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr R.M. Mace RCAF, Armstrong Whitworth TP; Mr Morgan, Armstrong Whitworth Flight Engineer
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft was seen in steepening dive from 12,000ft before impact with ground
DATE: January 6, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Brooklands, Surrey
CRASH LOCATION: Haines Bridge, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Vickers Warwick GR Mk V PN778
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr M.V. Longbottom, Vickers TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Development test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft experienced severe rudder overbalance and spun into ground making its approach to Brooklands
DATE: January 19, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Old Sarum, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: North American Mustang Mk IV KH648
CREW FATALITIES: Gp Capt J.F.X. McKenna AFC, Commandant ETPS
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Familiarisation flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Ammunition box cover detached at high speed and the aircraft shed a wing crashing on the perimeter of Old Sarum airfield
DATE: February 10, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Woodley, Berks
CRASH LOCATION: Woodley, Berks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX MH349
CREW FATALITIES: Mr W.G. Capley, Miles Aircraft TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Third test flight after major inspection
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft entered high-speed dive towards airfield 10min after take-off. Overhead Woodley aircraft rolled and port wing detached. Crashed on to airfield
DATE: February 27, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Farnborough, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Farnborough, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: de Havilland Mosquito FB Mk VI RS598
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt M.J.M. Slater, P; Sgt G.W. Dixon, RAE Aero Flight
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Air test for oil leak in starboard engine of aircraft modified for trials. Elevators with g restrictor tabs and fuel system isolating inboard wing tanks
ACCIDENT DETAIL: After 10min aircraft returned, both engines stopped and it entered a shallow glide before hitting trees, catching fire and crashing 1 mile west of airfield
DATE: March 16, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Brough, Yorks
CRASH LOCATION: Brough, Yorks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Blackburn Firebrand TF Mk III DK386:
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr J.R. Tobin AFC, RAE Farnborough TP on loan to Blackburn
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: First production aircraft flight to test behaviour of elevator and spring tabs in high-speed flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Dived from 11,500ft, at 4,000ft complete structural break-up occurred starting at rear fuselage joints
DATE: April 12, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Weston Zoyland, Somerset
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: de Havilland Mosquito PR Mk 32 NS586
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt J.R. Smith, A&AEE P; Mr M.G. Douglas, Ministry of Aircraft Production Technical Officer
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Propeller acceptance tests four-bladed D.H. hydromatic props
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft climbed to 35,000ft and carried out a series of dives at various speeds and altitudes. After 1hr 20min it was seen in a steep dive and, although a pull-out at 8,000ft was begun, aircraft went into a steep climb and its wings and tailplane detached
DATE: May 30, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Hatfield, Herts
CRASH LOCATION: Stubby Copse, Brockenhurst, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Typhoon Mk IB SW519
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt W.G. Eagle DFC, de Havilland Propellers TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Continuation of 50hr endurance test
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft seen performing a series of climbs and dives at low altitude, at the end of which the tail unit detached followed by starboard extension wing. Investigation established port mainwheel fairing was not properly shut and had torn away striking tailplane and initiating break-up sequence
DATE: June 9, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Dunsfold, Surrey
CRASH LOCATION: Lymington, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Spitfire F Mk XIV NH840
CREW FATALITIES: Fg Off D.M. Eastman RCAF, No 83 Group Support Unit
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: —
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Spitfire struck a streamline weight being trailed on a 200ft cord below a Hoverfly helicopter up from AFEE Beaulieu on vertical flight control trials
DATE: July 19, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Haven Street, IoW
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Airspeed Oxford T Mk I NM247
CREW FATALITIES: Major E.W. Leach, Student No 3 Course ETPS
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Static stability tests
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Loss of control owing to fire in port auxiliary tank bay causing structure damage and loss of large area of wing skin
DATE: July 21, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Bruntingthorpe, Leics
CRASH LOCATION: Halls Farm, Blaby, Leics
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Gloster Meteor Mk III EE291
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr A.O. Moffett AFC, CRD Power Jets CTP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Development of reheat on RB.37 engines
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Pilot was authorised to display aircraft in high-speed flight over victory celebration at Whetstone, Leics, company factory. Control was apparently lost in cloud after flypast and aircraft seen flick-rolling before inverted impact with ground
DATE: July 25, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Enford Range, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Hawker Tempest Mk V NV946
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr L. Gregory, Armament Test Squadron A&AEE TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Test flight to check rocket tail clearance using zero length launchers
ACCIDENT DETAIL: The aircraft dived at an angle of more than 40 to release store at 1,500ft. It then turned steeply to port, flicked inverted and dived to the ground, impacting at more than 400 m.p.h.
DATE: August 23, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Farnborough, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Wanborough Park, nr Guildford, Surrey
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: de Havilland Mosquito FB Mk VI RF830
CREW FATALITIES: Mr H. Becker, Aero Flight RAE Farnborough FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Testing automatic g restictor tabs
ACCIDENT DETAIL: On fifth dive at 360 m.p.h. as soon as g was applied aircraft began porpoising violently with increasing amplitude. Break-up then began; pilot was thrown clear, FTO’s body found in wreckage
DATE: August 31, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Boscombe Down, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: Sea off Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Miles Monitor TT Mk II NP409
CREW FATALITIES: Sub-Lt K.W.A. Fehler RN; Lt L.R.J. Habgood RN, pilots C Squadron A&AEE
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Intensive flying trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: The aircraft was seen to rill inverted, and dived steeply into the sea from 2,000ft
DATE: August 31, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: High Post, Wilts
CRASH LOCATION: High Post, Wilts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Supermarine Seafire F Mk XVII SW987
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt F.S. Banner DFC & Bar, Supermarine production TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Dummy deck landing practice
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft stalled and crashed on approach
DATE: September 12, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Hatfield, Herts
CRASH LOCATION: RAF Greenham Common, Berks
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: de Havilland Vampire F Mk I TG279
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr J.C.S. Turner, RAE Farnborough TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Pilot was on loan to de Havilland and engaged on level speed flying at 20,000ft and dives to 400 m.p.h.
ACCIDENT DETAIL: 20min after take-off, aircraft was heard diving at very high speed. It emerged from cloud over Greenham Common, diving inverted. It impacted the ground close to the RAF station headquarters and disintegrated
DATE: October 11, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Gosport, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Solent
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Fairey Swordfish Mk III NF333
CREW FATALITIES: Cpl S.S. Dicks, Armament Test Observer
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Experimental torpedo drop
ACCIDENT DETAIL: The Swordfish, flown by Fg Off R.F. Hollands, who survived the accident, collided with a Beaufighter over the torpedo range. The Swordfish dived out of control into the sea, killing the observer. The Beaufighter regained Gosport and landed safely
DATE: October 13, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Heston, Middx
CRASH LOCATION: Barnes, Middlx
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Fairey Firefly Mk I PP417
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt J.G. Seth-Smith, Fairey Aviation TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Checks on aileron trim settings at various speed and easy functioning of cockpit hood at 220 m.p.h.
ACCIDENT DETAIL: The hood apparently distorted and detached, hitting the fin and rudder which broke away, and the tailplane also failed. The aircraft broke up before hitting the ground and the pilot lost his life while attempting to bale out
DATE: October 17, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Brawdy, Pembs
CRASH LOCATION: Cardigan Bay
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Airspeed Oxford Mk I PH480
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt D.J. Cotter, P; Flt Sgt A.J. Bidwell, navigator; WO E. Moore, meteorological air observer
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Experimental night radar Met research flight. Aircraft was due to overfly a marker dropped into the sea taking readings at 100ft intervals up to 1,500ft using a radar altimeter to secure accuracy
ACCIDENT DETAIL: At 0200hr while descending to 200ft the aircraft impacted the sea. No recovery of bodies or wreckage proved possible
DATE: October 17, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Helensburgh, Duns
CRASH LOCATION: Brodick Bay, Isle of Arran
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Vickers Wellington Mk X NA929
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt A.S. Carswell, MAEE Helensburgh P; WO Sparks; Mr C. Bound, FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Depth charge dropping trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: In low flight (50ft) a depth charge was released and exploded prematurely damaging the aircraft, which dived into the sea
DATE: October 25, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: MAEE Helensburgh, Duns
CRASH LOCATION: Machin Bay, Islay
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: de Havilland Mosquito B Mk IV DZ579/G
CREW FATALITIES: Sqn Ldr A. Jaques DFC, P; Flt Lt Savin, Observer MAEE Helensburgh
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: “Highball” bouncing bomb trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Weapon dropped at 30ft and at 380 m.p.h. into a rough sea. Splash hit the tail of the aircraft and the port wing detached
DATE: November 9, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: RAE Farnborough, Hants
CRASH LOCATION: Aldershot, Hants
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Heinkel 162A-2 AM61
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt R.A. Marks AFM, Aero Flight RAE Farnborough TP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Pilot was displaying the aircraft to Army Staff College, Camberley
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Whilst performing a slow roll the aircraft yawed violently then stalled. The pilot lost control and one fin and rudder detached. The aircraft dived and a violent pull-out was attempted but the tailplane then broke away and the aircraft crashed, killing the pilot and a Canadian soldier on the ground
DATE: November 27, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Heston, Middlesex
CRASH LOCATION: Hythe End, Staines, Surrey
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Fairey Firefly Mk I PP463
CREW FATALITIES: Flt Lt J.C. Evans, Fairey Aviation PTP
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Production test flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Aircraft seen out of control 10min after take-off, rolling and diving from about 7,000ft before impacting the ground. It was determined that the cockpit hood had distorted and detached, stunning the pilot in the process (see also October 13, 1945)
DATE: December 2, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: Radlett, Herts
CRASH LOCATION: Radlett, Herts
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Handley Page Hermes Mk I G-AGSS
CREW FATALITIES: J.R. Talbot, Handley Page CTP; E.A. Wright, FTO
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: Prototype first flight
ACCIDENT DETAIL: Crashed soon after take-off owing to elevator overbalance
DATE: December 6, 1945
TAKE-OFF POINT: MAEE Helensburgh, Duns
CRASH LOCATION: Firth of Clyde
AIRCRAFT TYPE & SERIAL: Douglas Boston Mk IIIA BZ332
CREW FATALITIES: Lt R.K. Smith RN, P; Flt Lt R.M. Neill, bomb aimer, both MAEE Helensburgh
PURPOSE OF TEST FLIGHT: 250lb bomb fuze trials
ACCIDENT DETAIL: A stick of bombs dropped from 30ft exploded, critically damaging the aircraft, which impacted the sea