Meteor NF.11 WD654 near Huby, Easingwold.

On 21st January 1953 the crew of this 264 Squadron aircraft were prevented from landing at their base at Linton on Ouse because of poor weather and when the fuel ran out they were forced to eject. They left the aircraft over the area between Huby and Shipton but as the pilot abandoned the aircraft he struck part of the plane with his right knee, and in doing so severely injured himself. The aircraft crashed near Kelsit Farm, created a nine feet deep crater and disintergrated on impact. Both airmen landed in trees. Where the navigator landed is not clear from newspaper reports though was nearer to Easingwold. The pilot however had a major problem. His parachute caught in trees at edge of New Parks Wood and he became trapped some seventy feet up a larch tree. Three forestry workers had tried to help the severely injured airman; sixteen year old Ian Spencer of York, George Bielby of Wheldrake and Charles Whitehead of Robin Lane, Huby had alerted the emergency services after first trying a rescue attempt with a ladder brought from a nearby farm but it was not long enough. Various other people and organisations arrived to help until he was eventually rescued nearly two hours later by fireman Mr A. Robinson from York with the use of a ladder and ropes. Owing to the injury he had lost a lot of blood and appears to have seen his foot later amputated at York Hospital.

Pilot - P/O Tony Whitaker RAF (4050759). Injured.

Navigator / Radar Operator - F/O Peter John Wright RAF (4046196).