I stumbled across your website and would like to correct details regarding my late father, GRI ‘Sailor’ Parker.

 On 5-10-60 Sailor and his observer, David Nightingale were obliged to eject from XK486 when the artificial horizon (AHI) went u/s in cloud. The mission was auto-pilot testing although Sailor was flying manually when the AHI packed up. Ejection was a problem for the observer due to the airflow through the cockpit after the canopy was jettisoned. Fortunately Sailor had closed the throttles prior to ejecting and Dave Nightingale was able to reach the alternative handle between his knees once the aircraft had slowed sufficiently. Following this incident back-up AHI’s were fitted to all Buccs and blast screens installed between the pilot’s and observer’s seats. The aircraft crashed at Low Hunsley Farm near Little Weighton, E.Yorks.

Best regards,

John Parker
in email 24th February 2009

Regarding the Buccaneer lost on HMS Hermes August 1961 ------------confirmed as lost during deck trials
Catapult launched  off and aircraft landed in the sea both civilian crew members died.
Part of on going manufacturers  testing -----Trials were conducted in Lyme bay .
Hope it helps  

Fred Rowe
In email 9th March 2008

On 19-2-63 Sailor and his observer, Gordon Copeman, lost their lives when XN952 suffered ‘roll-inertia coupling’ when rolling off the top of the half-loop during a LABS (bomb toss) manoeuvre over the test airfield at Holme-on-Spalding Moor. The aircraft went into an upright spin and crashed approximately 40 yards from the control tower. Gordon Copeman ejected at about 300 feet and fell onto the wreckage. Sailor ejected as the aircraft hit the ground. Both were decapitated. Following this incident, rolling out from LABS manoeuvres was limited to half stick. NB. Sailor did not black out as stated; he would have been wearing a ‘g’ suit. Examination of the hydraulic systems and flight recorders showed that he had done everything he could to regain control of the situation.

 Sailor was a civilian test pilot with Blackburns/Hawker Siddeley and previously saw service with the RAF, not the RN. However, he was seconded to a FAA squadron during WW2 and this later led to him gaining his nickname.

 I have attached a photo of Sailor but I don’t have one of David Nightingale. I have also attached a photo taken at HOSM of the test pilots (standing) and the observers (kneeling). Gordon Copeman is on the right, Terry Dunn (killed in XK529) is third from left.

Best regards,

John Parker
in email 24th February 2009

also see FEEDBACK for 5th October 1960

Having served in HMS Victorious as a member of 801 NAS I was interested in your web site and believe that I can shed a little light on two of the ejection incidents.

Buccaneer S2 XN 979 was from 801 NAS not 815 and crashed when the pilot remained “Hands Off” during catapult launch. It was common practice to ignore the launch procedure when the aircraft was fitted with empty slipper tanks but on this occasion the pilot adopted the SOP. My recollection is that it was Lt Gamley in the front seat on that occasion.

 Boscombe Down did not believe that empty slipper tanks contributed to the accident and Johnny Eagles came out to the ship to disprove the theory that the C of G moved aft under this configuration. The result was that he also landed in the drink after ejecting through the canopy as the aircraft stalled on launch. Unfortunately I can not recall the name of the observer but I do recollect an ironic round of applause from squadron maintainers as the pilot was carried from the Plane Guard to the Sickbay

 I hope that this is of some interest.
Regards

Keith Bell
in email 2nd April 2008