On 17th November 1955 this helicopter was damaged in a heavy landing while the crew were practicing an
auto-rotation manoeuvre. The helicopter rolled over on striking the ground and was badly damaged.
Crew - Names unknown.
Sycamore XD197 was built to contract 6/ACFT/8736 by Bristol at Filton and delivered to the RAF in April 1953 and shortly afterwards it
was issued to 275 Squadron which was re-forming at Linton-on-Ouse in April 1953 and was used for Search and Rescue duties over the North Sea.
It moved with the unit to Thornaby on 18th November 1954. It was the second of two built for ASR evaluation.
It was written off as a result of this accident at Thornaby with Cat.5/FA damage being recorded.