Mike Lithgow BAC 1-11 crash site, 1963
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Comparing the two accidents mentioned in this thread
I see this test flight accident is mentioned in this week's Flight International (12-18th Nov 2013, page 71, Straight & Level), and the recent 50th anniversary of the tragedy.
I've found a photo online of the wreckage of test flight crash of G-ASHG on 22 October 1963.
When compared to the image of the later forced landing of G-ASJD on 20th August 1964, which I've taken from a book titled "A History of Passenger Aircraft", the difference between the two accidents is clear.
In the first seven people lost their lives, and the hull was destroyed, whilst in the second everyone walked away, and the hull was repaired, flew for BUA/Caledonian, and then re registered as XX105 had a long career with the RAe, DRA/DERA, and finally briefly with QinetiQ, before being retired in 2003, and scrapped in 2010.
Tim
I've found a photo online of the wreckage of test flight crash of G-ASHG on 22 October 1963.
When compared to the image of the later forced landing of G-ASJD on 20th August 1964, which I've taken from a book titled "A History of Passenger Aircraft", the difference between the two accidents is clear.
In the first seven people lost their lives, and the hull was destroyed, whilst in the second everyone walked away, and the hull was repaired, flew for BUA/Caledonian, and then re registered as XX105 had a long career with the RAe, DRA/DERA, and finally briefly with QinetiQ, before being retired in 2003, and scrapped in 2010.
Tim
Nice picture of JD...
Was trying to see how much flap they may have used for the touchdown, but it's difficult. Might be a T/O setting, but steveskinner says (post of 11/12/2008) they used full flap. That's also not evident from the photo gruntie posted here in 2009. Also curious about the left aileron, but perhaps it was pushed upwards on impact.
Internet search for the AIB Accident report CAP 222 mainly reveals that there is a light a/c type of that name! Has anyone got a copy? philkby?
Was trying to see how much flap they may have used for the touchdown, but it's difficult. Might be a T/O setting, but steveskinner says (post of 11/12/2008) they used full flap. That's also not evident from the photo gruntie posted here in 2009. Also curious about the left aileron, but perhaps it was pushed upwards on impact.
Internet search for the AIB Accident report CAP 222 mainly reveals that there is a light a/c type of that name! Has anyone got a copy? philkby?
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Middlesesx
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lithgow Gate BEA Engineering Base LHR
Can anyone throw any light on why one of the entry/ exit pedestrian gates at the car park on Viscount Way was thus called ? Was it official this naming ?
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Canada
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RIP Uncle Michael
Mike Lithgow was my uncle (my mother's brother). Sadly I never got to meet him. He must have been a very special person. He did hold the world air speed record, I believe several times, flying a Supermarine Swift. He also did the flying in the British film "Breaking the Sound Barrier", flew Swordfish torpedo bombers from the Arc Royal, and was involved in the pursuit and attacking of the Bismarck. He wrote his book "Mach I" and edited "Vapour Trails". He must have led an exciting but sadly short life. We were living in Victoria BC Canada when we heard the news of the crash, names were not mentioned but my Mum knew this was "his" plane and was very afraid that he was onboard. Later that day received the news from Britain. My Mum kept a scrap book of all his exploits and was very proud of her brother, as I am of my uncle.
RIP Uncle Michael - wish I had known you...
RIP Uncle Michael - wish I had known you...
