Meteor F.4, RA394 test a/c ?

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
Meteor F.4, serial number RA394. Crashed in April 1947, date given as 20th or 22nd.
Pilot was killed.
Was this a/c the test a/c that had the Booster E.1/44 tail fitted ?
Or was that RA382 ?

There were several Meteor a/c being ferried to some foreign countries around April '47, was RA394 one of these a/c and crashed on a ferry flight ?

Thanks
Alex

[Stig Jarlevik]

Alex

RA394 crashed 22.4.1947 with civilian Gloster production test pilot J Bridge killed (some sources say he was a Lt, so possibly ex RAF). He was on the third and final test flight when he had a starboard engine failure (always a critical situation in the Meteor). He tried to land in a very gusty crosswind condition and just did not make it.
I don't believe this aircraft was testing anything special, it was a production aircraft that, due to the above, never was delivered.

RA382 on the other hand was a true test aircraft and was, as you say, fitted with the E.1/44 tail unit.

B Rgds
Stig

[Alex Smart]

Hello Stig,
Thanks for reply.
Yes Bridge, was ex R N.

Cannot find him in findagrave though, or in CWGC.
There is a Bridge , but date of death given as 24th May, 47.
I wonder if this is him or another ?
Also at least two different dates are given for the crash.

Many thanks clearing up the tail question, I was not sure if it was Bridge's a/c.
Thanks
Alex

[Bruce Dennis]

Hello Alex,
I have not viewed the file but AVIA 5/29/ at TNA is report number W2375 covering this incident. The title gives April (no day specified) for the crash.



HTH
Bruce

[Icare9]

Hmm... my post in answer yesterday seems to have disappeared so here again
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=17475
Date: 20-APR-1947 Time:
Type: Gloster Meteor F.4 Owner/operator: Gloster Aircraft PTP
Registration: RA394 C/n / msn:
Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities: 0
Aircraft damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location: RAF Moreton Valence, Gloucestershire - United Kingdom
Phase: En route Nature: Test
Departure airport: RAF Moreton Valence, Gloucestershire
Destination airport:
Narrative: 22/04/1947 One engine failed in a steep dive and the pilot had great difficulty in handling the landing approach, finally stalling whilst climbing to avoid a tree.
Crew: Lt J. Bridge (test pilot) RN - killed
Sources: http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co...try.php?id=114

No wonder there is confusion as the date is first given as 20 April then the Narrative states 22nd.. presumably where you're question arises?
Possibly the "PTP" reference is for Production Test Pilot/Prototype?

Clarifies pilots initial and Service.
Unlikely to be a CWGC entry as not attributable to enemy action.
No "Bridges" show as a Named post War casualty, nor by Date, in naval history net so presume he may have been in a civilian capacity?

[Alex Smart]

Hello Icare9,
Yes the questions of date for crash and pilots death are both confusing.
Lt. J. Bridge is/was indeed RN. He is noted in the FAA Aircraft 1939-1945 book .
Albacore BF652 - 820 Sqn night landing, ballooned, u/c collapsed Formidable, cat Z 5.12.42 ( S/Lt. J.Bridge).
Avenger JZ416 - 768 Sqn Abbotsinch 1.44 - 5.44; prop hit barrier Ravager 10.3.44 ( Lt. J.Bridge).
Barracuda BV680 - 768 Sqn u/c retracted tasting Argue 28.12.43 (S/LJ. Bridge).
Hellcat FN372 - 768 Sqn into barrier Ravager catX2 3.10.44 ( S/Lt.J.Bridge).
Seafire NF569 - 768 Sqn - Abbotsinch/Ayr/Ballyhalbert/Easthaven 11.44-11.45; Braked hard, swung, stbd oleo collapsed Abbotsinch, cat HX 23.11.44 ( Lt.J.Bridge).
Swordfish V4634 - 768 Sqn Abbotsinch 8.44; landed without hook, into barrier, cat HX 13.12.44 (Lt. J.Bridge).
He is not as far as I can find listed in FAA fixed wing a/c since 1946.
Perhaps he was demobed and was a civilian test pilot with Glosters when the Meteor crashed.
Alex

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
l just wonder if this was him ?

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/...-edward-bridge

Did he survive the crash and surcumed days later from injuries ?

Alex