This glider was made by Torva Sailplanes Ltd who had their factory on Outgang Lane, Pickering. They appear to have only ever made three gliders. It was first test flown at Driffield on 8th May 1971 and given a certificate of airworthiness. On 15th July 1971 it was being flown at Sutton Bank when the undercarriage collapsed on landing. It was badly damaged and may well have not been repaired.
Pilot - (Possibly) Mr Chris Riddell.
Torva Sailplanes were formed on 18th September 1969 at Scarborough. BGA.1641 was their first glider. In early 1972 the company applied for planning permission to build a glider factory at Low Road Industrial Estate, Scarborough but at that time had only made BGA.1641. BGA.1701 was the second and was first flown on 18th February 1973. A third was built and first flew on 18th December 1973 but the company went into voluntary liquidation in January 1974. BGA.1701 and the third were bought by Yorkshire Sailplanes Ltd the following month.
Back to North York Moors table.