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



Date06/09/1952
CasualtiesJohn Derry DFC, de Havilland TP, Hatfield; Tony Richards, de Havilland FTO, Hatfield
Aircraftde Havilland D.H.110 WG236
Took off fromFarnborough, Hampshire
Purpose of flightDisplay flight at trade show
Incident locationFarnborough, Hampshire
Incident detailsDuring a display flight the aircraft suffered a structural failure of the leading edge of the inboard starboard wing which resulted in the break-up of entire aircraft. As well as the crew, 28 spectators lost their lives when two engines were projected into the crowd from falling wreckage


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.