Local Aviation History
Here are two historical accounts relating to Aviation in Haslingfield – submitted by Nigel Perry:
Mustang P-51D crash Sunday 6 August 1944
The P-51D Mustang was from the 339th Fighter Group Fowlmere. It had taken off from Fowlmere at 08.35 hrs on a mission and spun in out of a cloudbase of 700 feet, crashed through hedges bordering Cantelupe Road, roughly 100 yards beyond the footpath at Lesanna Farm at 08.50 hrs. The aircraft exploded in a field right of the road. Wreckage was strewn 400 yards with bullets exploding.
The pilot 2/Lt Arthur Tongue was thrown out and sadly killed. He is buried in the American War Cemetery at Madingley Plot E Row 4 Grave #73.
Glider flight to Haslingfield Hill
On May 21st 1936 the Cambridge University Gliding Club based at Caxton Gibbett mounted an expedition to Haslingfield Hill where it was hoped soaring might be possible in north and south winds. The Cambridge sailplane and a winch were towed over, and a number of launches made in a strongish north wind. The results were disappointing, the best performance being by Slazenger who was able to maintain height along a straight beat along the northern slopes but lost lift in the turn. However the North slope is the worst of the two, and it will be interesting to see what can be done in a Southerly wind.
“The Sailplane” October 1936.
Rob C
| #
I was 13 at the time of the F-111 crash and heard it from our garden in Gt Shelford. I’ve always wanted to know exactly where it came down as I presumed it was on the edge of the wood behind the houses in Eversden road!?
I would also like to know more about the Voodoo crash as mentioned, as it’s not one I’ve heard of?
Reply
Nigel Perry
| #
https://aircrewremembrancesociety3.com/Aircraft-Losses/Royal-Air-Force-Losses/Royal-Air-Force-Losses-1941/19-20.08.1941_No.11_O.T.U._Operational%20Training%20Unit_Wellington_IA_N3005_F.Sgt_Andrews/
Reply
Philip
| #
There was a bomber crashed on the hill next to Cement Works/ Quarry – approx 1942. John and David Rayner (teenagers at the time) pulled out the crew. Betty (14 New Road) should know.
Reply
Nigel John Perry
| #
There is a preserved F-111E at Duxford Air Museum to give readers an idea of the size of this aircraft and extra information and videos here http://raf-upper-heyford.org/79TFS.html
Reply
Nigel John Perry
| #
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/137885 30.10.1979
It was a F-111E serial 68-0012 from the 20th Tactical fighter Wing RAF Upper Heyford. The crew ejected in a two man pod that landed near 16 Cambridge Rd,Barton . The aircraft impacted vertically on Farmer Banks land at Washpit Lane, Harlton. Nearby houses rocked and a great sheet of flame went up as the plane plummeted into a spinney. The crew survived pilot was Captain Eugene S Ogilvie 28 and Weapons Systems Operator Captain Albert P Manzo 26. Cause of the accident unknown but likely a systems or engine failure. Aircraft would have been on a gradual descent into Upper Heyford from the East Coast and crew would have ejected about 6-8,000 feet.
Reply
NEVILLE JAMES COLE
| #
I recall hearing what was probably the ejection explosion. It may have been a F111?
Harlton was rapidly filled by US security, with traffic controls limiting movements.
Thankfully no casualties.
NJC
Reply
Grahamkipping
| #
And there was Voodo crash in the right hand field on way to Harlton
Reply