Jeff Hawke
I seem to recall that the aircraft was recovered without a body in it. I seem to recall also that the aircraft was owned by a celebrity (not sure enough to name him) and that there were many questions raised at the time about exactly what the aircraft was doing there. Rumour had it at the time that it was all a bit dodgy.
I remember him blasting down the runway at Biggin at nought feet in the 25 and then pulling it up into a barrel roll - incredible.
I also remember him blasting overhead in the 17 at low level - again at Biggin - and pulling such a steep low-level turn that the thing seemed to almost stop in the air before he rolled the wings level again.
He taxied in on both occasions to rapturous applause and adulation. How things have changed.
Great character - many mysteries - please keep this thread going - its very interesting. More news please!