Fairey IIIf S1489 near Skerne.
On 6th July 1931 this aeroplane was one of six being flown from Grimsby (North Coates?) to Leuchars with 450 Flight, Fleet Air Arm and while flying over the East Riding of Yorkshire one suffered engine trouble. The pilot descended and made a forced landing in a wheat field owned by Mr W.S.Temple, at Skerne, near Driffield. Unfortunately the aeroplane overturned and two of the three crew sustained injuries. A local newspaper report stated that a burst oil pipe sprayed oil onto the goggles of the pilot which gave him difficulties in seeing. The two injured airmen were taken to Driffield hospital. AC1 Nicholls was the most seriously injured.
Pilot - F/O George Frederick Whistondale RAF (16259). Injured.
Observer - Sgt T R Law.
? - AC1 Edward Nicholls. Injured.
Fairey IIIF S1489 was built to contract 34792/30 by Fairey Aviation Ltd. at Hayes, Middlesex. It was taken on charge by 450 Flight, Fleet Air Arm on 31st October 1930 who appear to have been based at Gosport at that date. On 6th July 1931 it crashed at Skerne that saw a repairable Cat.R/FA damage assessment. On 30th September 1931 it arrived at H.A.D. at Henlow for repair with this being completed on 4th October 1932. On 4th October 1933 it was taken on charge by No.2 A.S.U. at Cardington. On 30th April 1934 it was transferred to Gosport. On 1st June 1934 it was transferred to 822 Squadron in Malta for duty on HMS Furious. On 19th December 1935 it made a slow landing at Aboukir, a passenger was thrown out of the aeroplane and injured. The then pilot F/Lt M W Watson RAF was unhurt. The damage was assessed and it was deemed beyond repair, it was struck off charge at RAF Depot Middle East Aboukir on 6th March 1936.