Buccaneer S.1 XN952 at Holme on Spalding Moor airfield.
On 19th February 1963 this aircraft was being flown as part of a test bombing flight over the airfield at Holme on Spalding Moor by a pilot and Flight Test Observer of the Blackburn Aircraft Ltd company. As part of the flight the pilot attempted to roll out of the top of a half-loop but the aircraft stalled and went into a spin. The flight observer appears to have ejected first with the aircraft at 300 feet above the ground and the pilot then ejected as the aircraft hit the ground. Unfortunately the aircraft then exploded when it hit the ground close to the control tower and both crew were killed. Using historic newspapers where their funerals were held has been ascertained but where they were buried has yet to be found. Blackburn Aircraft Ltd became part of Hawker Siddeley Aviation shortly after this incident.
Pilot - Mr Gartrell Richard Ian Parker DFC AFC DSM. Aged 44. Burial location unknown.
Flight Test Observer - Mr Gordon Rayner Carlton Copeman. Aged 34. Possibly buried Elloughton Churchyard, Yorkshire.
Gartrell Parker was born in Devon in 1918 and had initially joined the RAF way back in 1934. He initially trained as a wireless operator then underwent air gunner training. While serving on Malta he was posted to 830 Naval Air Squadron, FAA and was awarded the DSM for service in the air on operations to Italy. While on Malta he was given informal flying lessons so later switched for pilot training. He served with 219 Squadron in 1944 and was awarded the DFC, then the Bar to the DFC with them in November 1944 and then March 1945. Postwar he was posted to the RAE as a test pilot. In 1947 he was commended for valuable services in the air and then in June 1948 was awarded the AFC. He left the RAF shortly after this to become a civilian test pilot for the General Aircraft Limited company, who later merged with Blackburns. He ejected from the prototype Buccaneer XK486 on 5th October 1960 sustaining injuries. At the time of his death he was living in Hull. He was married with two children. His funeral was held at Fish Street Congregational Church, Hull.
Gordon Copeman was originally from Kings Lynn. He was married with two young children and lived at Brough. His funeral was mentioned in newspapers of the era and took place at Elloughton.