ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 68511
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| Date: | Tuesday 30 September 1930 |
| Time: | |
| Type: | Bristol Bulldog Mk IIA |
| Owner/operator: | 17 Sqn RAF |
| Registration: | K1085 |
| MSN: | |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 |
| Other fatalities: | 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Location: | Arundel Park, Sussex -
 United Kingdom
|
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | RAF Tangmere, Chichester, West Sussex |
| Confidence Rating: |  Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources |
On 30.9.30 Bristol Bulldog IIAs K1083 and K1085, of 17 Sqn, RAF Hawkinge, whilst flying in a formation of three, flew into trees on a hillside in fog, at Arundel Park, Sussex. Both pilot of both aircraft were killed:
Flt Lt Gerald Christopher Allan Armstrong (26) killed
Sgt Wilfred Birkinshaw (28) killed
However, it is not clear which pilot was in which aircraft. Pilot Officer Geoffrey John Pawson slightly injured in third Bulldog (J9587). An account of the inquest into the two pilots was published in "The Aeroplane" in October 1930:
"Squadron Leader Richard Harrison, who identified the bodies, said that they were attached to the Upavon Station and temporarily stationed at Tangmere for air exercises. Armstrong was leading a flight of three Bristol Bulldog single seaters with instructions to patrol the air immediately north of Amberley. The other machines were occupied by Sergeant Birkishaw and Pilot Officer Pawson.
The atmosphere was clear over the aerodrome with light clouds to the east. The airmen were experienced flyers and had been in the district the previous day. The visibility was sufficiently good for them to fly with safety. The previous patrol had reported that while flying at 3,000 feet they had noticed the ground obscured in places by cloud. They could, however, see the aerodrome.
Pilot Officer Lawson said that they were flying at 3,000 feet. The ground became obscured with cloud. They dived down through this and suddenly hit the trees.
The coroner asked whether the trees were obscured all the time until the machines hit them. The witness said that they were and that the mist was lying on the ground.
A verdict of accidental death was returned."
Sources:
1. Air Britain The K File The RAF of the 1930s
2. A/C Photo: http://www.sa-transport.co.za/aircraft/military/bristol_bulldog_k1085_pe.JPG
3. http://www.rcawsey.co.uk/Acc1934.htm
4. https://www.airteamimages.com/bristol-bulldog_K1085_united-kingdom---royal-air-force_114774.html
5. http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?17427-RAF-Fatalities-1930
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 06-Oct-2009 02:53 | JINX | Added |
| 12-Feb-2015 14:39 | Siczak | Updated [Operator, Narrative] |
| 01-Sep-2017 17:36 | Dr. John Smith | Updated [Total fatalities, Other fatalities, Departure airport, Source, Narrative] |
| 16-Apr-2018 19:48 | Dr. John Smith | Updated [Operator, Departure airport, Source, Narrative] |
| 01-Nov-2018 16:21 | Nepa | Updated [Operator, Operator] |
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