On 15th December 1945 this aircraft took off from RNAS Rattray, the pilot was to undertake a routine cross-country navigational excercise. It is thought that on the return leg of the flight the aircraft entered into cloud over Yorkshire, the pilot became lost and descended to locate his position but flew into the side of Whernside. Luckily he escaped with only cuts and bruises and was able to walk down to a nearby farm to summon help. The Squadron had been assigned to torpedo bomber reconnaissance training for crews in preparation for joining the 21st Carrier Air Group. It is thought the pilot was doing training for this.
Pilot - P/O J R Crevier RN(?).
In May 2006 my wife and I visited the site, what remains is fairly well scattered about and parts of the aircraft have been used to repair a drystone wall.
One of the aircraft's wings which was at the site in 1974 and has since been removed, possibly by the now defunct York Aircraft Preservation Society. (Photo Mr Graham Sharpe).
A fuel tank still present in 2006. (Photo me).
Further pieces of the aircraft in 2006. (Photo me).