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



Date05/06/1958
CasualtiesSqn Ldr J.S. Booth DFC, Saunders-Roe CTP
AircraftSaunders-Roe SR.53 XD151
Took off fromBoscombe Down, Wiltshire
Purpose of flightnot known
Incident locationBoscombe Down, Wiltshire
Incident detailsFor reasons never determined the pilot cut the rocket engine during take-off. The braking parachute Roman-candled and the aircraft broke up on colliding with an approach light post. The pilot, still in his seat, was thrown from the aircraft and died instantly


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