Re: Meteor Accident Statistics
All has become clear!
Received from Air Historical Branch (RAF)
20.1.56 Meteor NF12, WS661. AWOCU, North Luffenham.
Time of Accident 15.23. Duration of Flight 43 mins. Training Flight.
Pilot Stoate L.C.M. F/O, aged 23. Navigator Paterson, A.W. (F/O).
" The A/C took off to carry out a local flying excercise which was designed to keep the pilots within 60 nautical miles off base. Approx 35 minutes later the A/C was seen over the village of Wadhurst, 120 miles from base, where the pilot's parents resided. After circling the village at least once, the pilot made a very low run in a steeply banked and slightly diving turn to port past his parents home. Whilst still in the turn the A/C struck two bungalows at an estimated height of 25ft above ground level and burst into flames. Both crew members and two civilians were killed.
The pilot disobeyed briefing instruction and indulged in unnecessary, unauthorised and dangerous low flying, and through an error of judgement caused his A/C to crash".
It also transpires that the navigator was buried in Scotland.
A sad ending!
Many thanks to all who took time to investigate, and post info for us.
We have made up the information covering the crash, aircraft details, and official papers, as comprehensive as we can, which will be on its way to the Wadhurst Historical Society this week, to arrive in time for their meeting on 20 January. For those in the area, I believe that local tv news will be covering a memorial service taking place on that day.
Once again many thanks to all.