Bulldog T.1 XX539 at Leeming airfield.
On 16th February 1978 this Central Flying School aircraft was due to have been flown from Leeming airfield and prior to taxying around the airfield the instructor noticed that the starboard wheel was pointing in a slightly different direction to the port wheel. A visual check of the wheel and axle was carried out and it appeared fine but when the instructor began to taxi around the airfield the steering felt light on the nosewheel. When braking, the starboard wheel appeared noisy. Instead of taking off and accepting the disparity, the instructor carried out further checks on the ground and deemed the aircraft as unservicable. Later, when the starboard undercarriage faring was removed, damage to the undercarriage leg and mounting could be seen. The instructor was later commended for his awareness and diligence. The damage was later repaired.
Instructor Pilot - F/Lt D Long RAF.
Pupil Pilot - Name unknown.