Airframe history, VW869.
A fuller history of this airframe is included in Ray Sturtivant’s book FAA Fixed Wing Aircraft since 1946:
Completed 20-12-50.
To CS(A) charge at Westland 4-1-51 (investigate directional instability).
‘C’ Sqn, A&AEE Boscombe Down 9-2-51 (directional stability tests; assessment of improvement effected by dorsal fin, used for Python handling and general aerodynamic handling).
Loss of oil between propellor and engine with low frequency vibration in flight, Cat. 1, 3-51 (engine removed after landing for investigation by Armstrong Siddeley Motors).
Flying resumed 12.4.51
Ground run, jet pipe temperature rose beyond limits , exceeded 700C, smoke in cockpit, fire in tail pipe extinguished, Cat 1, 7.5.51.
Severe rudder overbalance, landed safely, Cat. 3, 23.5.51 (Lt D H Hanson).
Functional check after propellor change, engine seen to be on fire then broke away from airframe at 1500 ft, pilot ejected but caught control column and knocked unconcious, incapable of operating parachute, a/c crashed Seven Barrows, 1m W of Amesbury, BO, Cat 5 8-6-51 (L/C (E) D K Hanson killed).
SOC 15.1.52 [TFH 34.20]