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de Havilland DH. 110 WG240 2nd prototype
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de Havilland DH. 110 WG240 2nd prototype
de Havilland DH.110 WG240 2nd prototype at the 1952 SBAC Farnborough air-show, (1-7 September). WG 240 was flown by test pilot John Derry in the air display from 1-5 September, but went U-S on the morning of the 6 September. Derry and Flight Test Observer Anthony Richards rushed to Hatfield to pick-up the first prototype WG236. to replace WG240 in the display. Unknown to anybody a modification to remove the wing fences from the outer wing leading edges left the wings decidedly under strength, due to a design fault. Derry and Richards carried out the same display they had already done with WG240, but the wings failed and the aircraft broke up. The engines fell amongst the crowd and 29 spectators were killed as well as Derry and Richards. Date: 1952
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Media ID 21130929
© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans
1952 Air Show Anthony Broke Carried Derry Edges Engines Failed Farnborough Fault Fell Fences Flown Hatfield Havilland Killed Leading Modification Morning Observer Outer Pilot Prototype Remove Replace Richards Rushed Sbac Spectators Strength Test Unknown Wg240 Wing Wings Pick Up
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this striking photograph from the 1952 SBAC Farnborough Airshow, the de Havilland DH.110 WG240 2nd prototype is seen in mid-air, performing an impressive display for the large crowd that had gathered. The DH.110, also known as the Vampire F.4, was a groundbreaking jet fighter aircraft designed by de Havilland Aircraft Company. Test pilot John Derry flew the 2nd prototype from September 1-5, but on the morning of the 6th, an unfortunate incident occurred. WG240 suffered a catastrophic failure during the airshow, with both Derry and Flight Test Observer Anthony Richards rushing back to Hatfield to pick up the first prototype, WG236, to replace it in the display. However, unknown to the pilots and spectators, a modification to remove the wing fences from the outer wing leading edges had left the wings under significant stress due to a design fault. Despite this, the same display was carried out with WG236, but the wings failed, resulting in a devastating outcome. The engines fell amongst the crowd, tragically killing 29 spectators, as well as Derry and Richards. This unfortunate incident marked a dark day in aviation history, highlighting the importance of thorough testing and safety measures. This photograph captures a moment of excitement and innovation, tinged with a tragic outcome. The de Havilland DH.110 WG240 2nd prototype stands as a reminder of the risks and rewards of pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.
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