Percival Mew Gull G-AEXF near Scorton.
On 7th August 1965, the second qualifying round on the National Air Races held at Teesside airport. Thirty nine aeroplanes entered and for the rae they would be flown three laps of a 33 mile triangluar course. Pilots were attempting to qualify for the 1965 King's Cup Air Race due to be held on 21st August 1965. G-AEXF was being flown on a practice flight before the race began when a con rod broke through the engine block in the Catterick area. The engine seized and the pilot made a hurried forced landing near Feather Hill Farm, Scorton but it sustained some damage. The pilot was transported back to Middleton St.George by car to watch the event. He and his company Northern Air Taxis owned the aircraft and it was based at Yeadon / Leeds-Bradford airfield. The aircraft went on to be repaired. Bill Meynell subsequently won the race but had not flown in the first qualifying round so could not take part in the King's Cup Race.
Pilot - Mr Ernest Crabtree.