Thunder & Lightnings

Test Flying Memorial

"...and everywhere the
blue sky belongs to them
and is their appointed rest
and their native country"
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge



Date04/08/1955
CasualtiesLt G. Perks RN, National Aeronautical Establishment TP; Mr M.F. Burle, FTO
AircraftSikorsky Dragonfly HR Mk 3 WG666
Took off fromThurleigh, Bedfordshire
Purpose of flightInvestigation of lateral control at altitude and maximum all-up weight
Incident locationRisley, Bedfordshire
Incident detailsAircraft seen descending rapidly; break-up began at 2,000ft. FTO catapulted out just before impact. Structural failure of main rotor


Do you have a correction to make, or a link or image you'd like added to this page? Contact me if so. If you'd like to add a public comment you can do so below.