Ref Number: 00197
While on patrol from No 1 Squadron at Tangmere two Hurricanes flying very low over the Solent in a South Westerly direction flew in low over Ryde.
Ref Number: 00197
During the time that they were on patrol from No. 1 Squadron at Tangmere, two Hurricanes passing rather low over the Solent in a south-westerly direction, flew into the town of Ryde. Because of the miscalculation in altitude, a rather tall stand of trees suddenly came into view, and the aircraft in front of the formation, which was flown by Flt. Sgt. L.J. Travis, was forced to immediately pull up.
The unfortunate result of this situation was that wingman Flt. Sgt. D. F. Perrin, who was following Z3899 at the time, unexpectedly drew too near, and his propeller cut through the tailplane of BD940.
As a direct consequence of this, the lead Hurricane crashed into the ground quite close to the end of Play Street Lane, on the property of a residence known as St. Wilfreds.
Flt. Sgt. Travis was unable to escape in time and was killed in the collision. The situation turned out better for Flt. Sgt. Perrin since he was able to get some altitude and safely parachute out of the aircraft. It proceeded a bit farther and eventually came to a stop at Dame Anthony’s Common, which is located halfway to Havenstreet.
Note: All images are merely representative of the aircraft and not specific.
