Re VX770 at Syerston
Casualties
KR Sturt, R-R Hucknall, Captain, Fatal
RW Ford, Fairey Aviation Ringway, 2nd Pilot, Fatal
WE Hawkins, R-R Hucknall, Eng/Obs, Fatal
Flt Lt RM Parrott (GD/N), RAF Scampton, Navigator, Fatal
Sgt C Hanson, RAF Syerston, Aerodrome Caravan, Fatal
Sgt ED Simpson, ditto
SAC JJ Tonks, RAF Syerston, Fireman Crash Rescue Land Rover, Fatal
SAC C Turnbull, RAF Syerston, Fireman Crash Rescue Land Rover, Minor.
Aug 52 to Aug 56, development with Avon 3s and Sapphire 6s – 266 flying hours.
Aug 56 to Aug 57, converted by Avros at Langar for Conway installation.
Aug 57 to Jan 58, trials of R.Co.7 (13000 lbs) at R-R Hucknall – 210 flying hours
Jan 58 to May 58, fitted with R.Co.11 (17500 lbs)
7 May 58 to 20 Sep 58, trials of R.Co.11 – 627 flying hours
Total hours 1103
The Conway trials were intensive, 627 hours were flown in the last 4.5 months – more than the previous total hours since 1952. Over 4.5 hours every day including weekends.
770 was a hot aircraft. Estimate AUW at accident was 109082 lbs – about the same as an empty B2 with approx the same power.