Hawker Fury K7276 near Spennithorne.
On 30th December 1937 this 41 Squadron aeroplane took off from Catterick aerodrome to undertake a training exercise that included aerobatic training and also some local flying of the surrounding area. Unfortunately while flying in the Leyburn area the aeroplane suffered engine failure. After descending the aeroplane narrowly cleared the Leyburn to Bedale road and the boundary hedge. The pilot force landed on a downward slope near Spennithorpe railway station but could not prevent the aeroplane from running down the slope and into a fence and a bank of earth. Minor damage to the front of the aeroplane was caused. The pilot was unhurt and walked to Spennithorne village to alert Catterick aerodrome who sent a team to recover the aeroplane later in the day. The bank of earth the aeroplane struck may actually have been the railway embankment near the railway station.
Pilot - P/O Hugh Addison Chater RAF (39630).