I’m just half way through reading “The Inconvenient Truth” and it is truly a shocking story to read. If I have understood correctly the Mk2 was NOT cleared to fly by Boscombe Down but was pushed into service anyway?
Lastly, my condolences to those of you that knew the RAF crew and passengers.
Boscombe recommended to the Project Director (Captain RN) that the type was not airworthy, and listed the many reasons in excruciating detail.
This was accepted by the PD, and Controller Aircraft, his 3-Star, issued this as a statement to the Air Staff. The aircraft is not to be flown. Ground Training and Familiarisation only. MoD later admitted this after the findings were overturned.
This was the central point to Lord Philip, and he confirmed it was 'mandated' upon the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, AVM Bagnall.