Blackburn Iris (S1263 ?) at Brough aerodrome.
On 4th February 1930 a member of the aerodrome staff at Brough was killed when a rotating propeller of a Blackburn Iris struck him. The engines were being given a preliminary test prior to the aeroplane's launch that then happened the next day. He was assisting starting the port engine and had used a "catwalk" on the top of the aeroplane instead of using access through the aircraft's hull. The starboard and centre engine was running and the propeller of the centre engine struck his head. The aircraft's identify is yet to be confirmed but I find it highly likely it was S1263. S1263 was flown to 209 Squadron at Mount Batten on 5th February 1930, which just happens to be the day after this fatal accident so I find the coincidence to great to ignore. S1263 was one of three that were in existance by that date, the other being Iris N185 and Iris N238 that had already left the factory some time previously. S1263 was probably been given some form of final engine test prior to the flight to join the RAF when this mishap occurred.
Mechanic - Mr John Henry Frow. Aged 22. Of Swanland, Hull. Buried North Ferriby Churchyard, Yorkshire.
In way of explaining the Blackburn Iris aircraft that existed in 1930, all four built by February 1930 can be traced. Iris I N185 was the first built and later returned to Blackburns at Brough for a metal hull to be fitted (this Iris II). Three Iris III were then ordered and all eventually went to 209 Squadron. 209 Squadron reformed in January 1930 and the first Iris to arrive was S1263 on 5th February 1930. The second was N238 that was delivered from Felixstowe to 209 Squadron on 15th May 1930 and that then crashed on 4th February 1931 (it had been completed by November 1929 was probably being tested at Felixstowe by someone). The third was S1264 that was flown from Brough to 209 Squadron on 4th June 1930.
Blackburn Iris S1263 was built to contract 812143/27 by the Blackburn Aeroplane and Motor Co.Ltd. at Brough and was awaiting collection in January 1930. The published Air Britain history states it was taken on charge by 209 Squadron in January 1930 but their squadron records state it arrived with them on 5th February 1930 at Mount Batten. The aircraft served with 209 Squadron at Mount Batten until March 1932 when it was returned to Brough and converted to a Mk.V and was then returned to 209 Squadron. On 12th January 1933 it crashed into a dockyard launch after landing at Plymouth Sound and sank. Unfortunately one of the nine crew drowned while a further seven were injured, Cat.W/FA damage was recorded. It carried the name "LEDA" on the fuselage.