DH.60 Moth G-EBLS at Sherburn in Elmet airfield.
On 5th June 1926 this aeroplane was being flown around the Sherburn in Elmet area for period of time, after which the pilot flew low over the airfield prior to what would have been a landing. The aeroplane over flew the airfield at low level and when it reached the area of sheds at one end of the field the pilot attempted to make a climbing turn but the flying speed was too low. The aeroplane stalled and fell around forty feet to the ground, landing amongst netting. The propeller was badly damaged with the engine also damaged and torn from the mountings. The nose of the aeroplane was also crumpled and the mechanic, who was seated in the front cockpit, was trapped. Both pilot and mechanic passenger received injuries. While appearing to be badly damaged the aeroplane was considered for repair with the repair apparently being made.
Pilot - Mr George Oliver Wood.
Passenger / Mechanic - Mr James Frederick Davis Beazer.
This 8th February 1928 damage is listed in a history of the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club given in the Air Yorkshire newsletter of December 1988.
This aeroplane was the first received by the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club on 18th August 1925, who were then based at Soldier's Field, Roundhay, Leeds. They also appear to have been informally known as the Leeds Flying Club. The Club later moved to Sherburn in Elmet in January 1926. After crashing at Sherburn on 5th June 1926 it appears to have been repaired to be then returned to the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club use. It's fair to say that this flying club did a very good job at promoting themselves in newspapers of the era, a weekly report was published that was very detailed. A report stated that another Moth arrived at Sherburn for use of club members on 12th June 1926 which was ordered prior to the crash of their original aeroplane a week ago (ie G-EBLS). On 12th August 1927 it appears to have been the aeroplane damaged in a mishap at Lartington collection grouse bound for hotels in London. The registration of G-EBLS was cancelled on 8th February 1928 due to "destruction or permanent withdrawl from use of aircraft". This suggests a further crash occurred prior to this date but I can find no newspaper reference of any incident that may relate to it. A British Pathe film exists of this aeroplane being taxied on snow during the opening of Sherburn airfield in 1926.
George Wood was been a pilot during the First World War. He later found himself in court following repeatedly low flying over crowds at the Leeds Hospital Gala in Roundhay Park in August 1929 that saw him convicted for flying at just fifteen feet over a lake. He was given either a ten pound fine of two months imprisonment after being found guilty of the offence.