BE12 6156 at Shipton Landing Ground, north of York.

This aircraft was one of a number that had taken off from Copmanthorpe at 03.03hrs on 25th September 1917 to intercept Zeppelins L35, L41, L42, L46, L53 and L55 which were heading towards to North-East coast. After the aircraft suffered severe engine vibrations shortly after taking off the pilot decided to make an emergency landing at Shipton, to the north of York at 03.35hrs. The aircraft hit a ridge short of the flare path, damaging propeller, undercarriage and lower wings and although the pilot was uninjured the aircraft was written off as a result of the damage. This was one of seven 76 Squadron aircraft in the air that night. Two of these aircraft crashed and were written off; one force landed on Flamborough Head and two others landed away from base.

Pilot - Captain Joseph C Griffiths RFC.

Joseph Griffiths' flying career has not been properly researched because of the lack of information generally available. There is no record him gaining his aviators certificate between 1910 and 1915 (which was common practice for these early military pilots to gain a commission). He became a Second Lt (on probation) in the RFC on 13th December 1915 and was wounded in action in December 1916. He rose to Flight Commander (to be temp Captain while employed) in the same month.
No further details of the aircraft are known other than it was built by Standard Motors at Cowley.