Jet Provost between Strensall and Lilling.
On the 5th of May 1961 this Jet Provost was flying at 8000 feet when the aircraft entered a spin, which the pilot was unable to recover from. The two crew opted to eject and they
landed about three miles from where the aircraft came down, they
survived. The aircraft crashed is believed to have crashed into a small area of woodland near the railway level crossing on Strensall Common in what was described as a "belly landing" in the crash report.
It is not known whether the wreck caught fire but the fire brigade were reported as covering it in foam. The
two airmen were driven back to Linton by their commanding officer, G/C Ellacombe. A location provided in the crash report was
searched by myself in 2007 but this map reference was a large field and no-where near the level crossing. I now think that this
was the location either the crew landed or they ejected over. Oddly the location given in press reports is a field, not a wood. More information required.
Instructor Pilot - F/Lt William A Langworthy RAF (3516420), of Fulford, York, ok.
Trainee - MSn Colin A Skillett RN, of Guernsey, ok.
"Squadron Leader Langworthy was on board MV NORLAND
and latterly HMS FEARLESS anchored in San Carlos Water during
the period 21st-26th May 1982. On 25th May, MV ATLANTIC,
CONVEYOR was hit and destroyed by an enemy attack. All of
No 18 Squadron's assets, less one Chinook helicopter, were destroyed.
This remaining aircraft ZA718 was flown to San Carlos
Water. A small detachment under the command of Squadron
Leader Langworthy was put ashore on 27th May to operate this
one aircraft in support of land and sea operations. The Detachment
possessed no field deployment equipment and operated
initially from "fox holes". Permanent accommodation and messing
were subsequently established at Port San Carlos Settlement.
Despite a total lack of aircraft spares, ZA 718 was flown continuously
in support of the battle from 27th May until the cease
fire. On 30th May, Squadron Leader Langworthy was briefed to
move 3 x 105 mm light guns (two internal plus one external), 85
men and 22 tonnes of ammunition to Mount Kent. The move
was to take place at night using Passive Night Goggles Techniques.
The intelligence briefing was vague, but it was assessed that the
enemy was in position on Mount Kent and additionally had Company
positions at Estancia House. The first load of 3 x 105 mm
light guns plus 22 men took 1\ hours to load. The transit proved
uneventful despite severe snow showers in the area. The drop point
briefed as a flat plateau, proved to be a sloping rock river with
flattish areas and adjacent deep gullies. Full operation of the rear
cabin ramp proved difficult over such terrain and the off-loading
took 40 minutes. This was achieved without lights and further
complicated by intercom failure on the aircraft. While not directly
engaged by enemy fire, the general area in which the aircraft had
landed was subject to fire. On completion of the off-loading the
aircraft was recovered in appalling weather conditions of heavy
snow. The aircraft radio altimeter failed and the aircraft struck
the sea causing some minor damage. Squadron Leader
Langworthy recovered the situation and the aircraft was recovered
to its operating base without further mishap."
Although yet confirmed, he is thought to have been buried in Stamford Bridge cemetery.
The instructor Bill Langworthy joined the RAF in July 1953, he and his brother Richard had joined the service together.
On 11th June 1966 he was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable
Service in the Air. Bill Langworthy had flown as part of the Central Flying School aerobatic display team the Red Pelicans,
flying Jet Provost T.4's. He was part of a team which included team manager Sqdn Ldr Paul Worthington, team leader
F/Lt Terry Lloyd, and pilots F/Lt Brian Nice, Dennis Southern, Bert Lane and Eric Pilsley. Bill Langworth was awarded the AFC, as S/Ldr, Gazetted on 12th June 1982.
His brother served with distinction and was awarded the DFC as a helicopter pilot
in the Falkland conflict, although not connected to this incident near Strensall at all.. his brothers Citation reads..