Thought I would add a couple of stories to this rather interesting thread.
Whilst staying with a friend in Stocksbridge just outside of Sheffield a few years ago, I read a piece in the local paper about a group of people who were out on the moors around Strines watching the Hale-Bopp comet. Apparently, they called the police after a large four engined bomber passed overhead, seemingly in trouble. Shortly afterwards a local farmer dialled 999 to report a Lancaster bomber had crashed in a nearby field. A third person called to report a large explosion and fireball. An extensive search of the area was carried out, but no wreckage was found.
I remember hearing another story, although I can't remember all of the details. Perhaps someone else has more information?
An aircraft, possibly a DC-3 crashed at (I think) Heathrow and upon arrival the emergency services were met by a man who was deperately searching for his briefcase. Not an uncommon reaction from the survivor of an aircrash, except in this incident there were no survivors.
[ 29 October 2001: Message edited by: ramsrc ]