Ref Number: 00212
North Grounds Farm - Mk IX Spitfire crashed in Chale.
Ref Number: 00212
On June 11, 1944, a Mk IX Spitfire was involved in an accident that resulted in a fatality at North Grounds Farm, which was located near Chale.
The aircraft, which belonged to the 229th Squadron and was based at Tangmere, was being piloted by a South African pilot by the name of Flt. Lt. R. A. Cummings.
The miserable, rainy weather, made it increasingly difficult to see, however he continued to fly when suddenly he clipped the chimney of the farm house and then careered further out of control, striking the trees nearby and eventually plunging to the ground. It is believed that Cummings passed away instantly at around 14:45 hours.
Note: All images are merely representative of the aircraft and not specific.
