Between 3rd and 12th October 1952 a large scale RAF exercise took place involving aircraft of numerous squadrons and was code named "Exercise Ardent". It saw a Bomber Command force fly simulated attacking operations over the UK and was to test the defence force that included Fighter Command, the Fleet Air Arm and other foreign air forces. Army, anti-aircraft and Royal Observer Corps were included and it was the largest exercise held since the end of the Second World War. There were probably a number of minor incidents in Yorkshire that saw damage to aeroplanes but details yet to be learnt.
Full Sutton airfield was used by 26 Squadron for refuelling. They were normally based at Oldenburg airfield, Germany. One minor incident occurred on 4th October 1952 at Full Sutton airfield when one Vampire lost it's canopy whilst taking off. Damage appears to have been minimal. All but one other of the 26 Squadron Vampires flew to Finningley earlier on 5th October 1952 and once repaired it flew there to rejoin the squadron. It appears to have been one of 36 Vampires that arrived to use Full Sutton for the exercise and was not one belonging to the resident unit at Full Sutton.
Pilot - Name unknown.