|
Re: whirlwind P6996 loss
Jerry
As promised, what I have on P6992:
30/12/40: TOC and allotted to 18MU, Dumfries. 13/02/41: To 263 Sqn. 22/02/41: Sternframe castings fractured at St. Eval. Repaired on site by Westland CRO and returned to squadron., 20/04/41: Crashed when part of aircraft, believed to be a leading edge slat, detached while performing rolls at very low level at Wittering. Aircraft crashed and FO Bernard Howe killed.
The Accident Report card for the aircraft reveals that the aircraft was dived from approx 5,000 ft., crossed the airfield at very high speed at approx 20 ft. altitude, at which point Howe performed two slightly inclined rolls (which were completed under control) after which some part of the aircraft (subsequently presumed to be one of the outer slats) detached and fell away from the aircraft whch then crashed.
This was one of a brief sequence of accidents/incidents to Whirlwinds (along with a similar Hampden incident) that led to to the outer slats on Whirlwind being locked shut. Aircraft from P7054 onwards were delivered from the factory with them locked shut and those already in service were modified.
I do by the way have some nagging doubts about the real location of this accident.
Hope it helps
Niall
|