I was a navigator on the crew that took 610 around the world in 1967. It was always my favourite aircraft for that reason, we were very sorry to hear it had crashed.

I was 11 year old at Downhill primary school when I seen this pass overhead, i remember the teachers took us in early from 'playtime'. Hard too think how vivid it still is in my mind being 51 year ago.

08/01/2023: Amazing story. The skill & bravery during a crisis of those airmen is simply outstanding. Well Done!

I was security for this Aircraft (and a few others) the night before the flight. There was a similar engine failure on another Vulcan around the same time. It took off from Waddington and my colleague said to me as we watched, that they seemed to be firing flares out of it as it lifted off. The pilot did a quick circuit and landed attended by numerous fire engines and other vehicles. I believe it was the same problem. The Aircrews and servicing Crews on these aircraft were all dedicated guys, and carried a big responsibility.

@flyingphobiahelp

Жыл бұрын

Done believe this guy. He’s one of the Monkees 😂😂😂

@davejones2394

Жыл бұрын

@@flyingphobiahelp 😂😂 I'm watching you from the grave👻👻

This crew exhibited outstanding airmanship and great courage.

I’m from Easington and was in the school yard in Horden when this passed burning overhead. I was only five but remember it clearly. I remember that we all looked up, unable to process what we were seeing. Thanks for explaining everything so clearly.

Spitfire, Lancaster, B-52, Concorde, Chinook, A-10, Vulcan.. Some aircraft just hit *different* when they fly over.. that Vulcan howl is as iconic a sound as _any_ in the history of Aviation.. I feel so privileged that I got to hear it in person on more than one occasion ❤🙏🏻🍻🇬🇧

@malfunction8165

Жыл бұрын

What about the Ospreys tilt wing? Two flew over us. I could hear something but had no idea what it was until they appeared, they sounded like nothing I've heard before, very interesting. Also the Lightning going supersonic in the climb, the crowd just stood and cheered.

@MrZenitJ

Жыл бұрын

I remember standing on the airfield about 100m from the runway when Concorde trundled past and let loose with the afterburners. That was such a machine..... Also seriously impressed by the sound of the Vulcan and how the pilots were able to get such a big plane and roll it and climb.

I miss seeing XH558 when it used to take off from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire...It was a sad day when it was retired!

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

A sad day indeed.

Well this is a surprise. As a 6 year old boy in 1971 living in Peterlee, I watched this Vulcan fly over the field I was playing football in out the back of our house! Flames pouring out the back. Dad grabbed me and we drove to Station Town where the crash site was already taped off. Dad spoke to a Policemen and for years we had 2 little pieces of metal form the plan in a shoebox. Thanks for the video. It brought back the memories of a 6 year old so vividly.

I remember seeing this incident unfold as the Vulcan passed over the west of Houghton le Spring. A group of us were attracted by the loud noise, at first thinking the pilot was using his after burners but soon realised the plane was in trouble. As it travelled further south we saw the first parachute and then a second as the plane turned eastwards. We then saw a flash of flame as it suddenly it went into a spiral dive and turned back inland. At this point we lost sight but heard on a radio where it had come down.

@TheNorthernHistorian

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your memories. It must have been some sight.

Growing up in Vancouver, B.C., Canada a visit to the Abbottsford International Airshow was an annual tradition. The Vulcan was a perennial performer in the '70's and always the most impressive part of the show.

I was christened at RAF Finningley around this time, this base operated Vulcans too. I remember going to air shows and seeing more than one Vulcan in the sky and my god was it glorious.

@kenstevens5065

Жыл бұрын

Finningley airshows were amazing, the start was always four Vulcans taking of from the quick reaction alert pad right next to the crowds. Never to be forgotten by those who attended.

I was stationed at RAF Waddington from mid 1970 to 1976 and was an LAC A Mech (P} when this disaster occurred. Thank you for telling the story, it is factual and well delivered. I remember a whole bunch of guys being shipped up to Wingate to guard the aircraft at the time. We were later all briefed on the accident. I also remember the very sad 1975 crash as I personally knew one of the Crew Chief's.as part of that crew that perished. 'Blue Skies'

@chrisfitmr

Жыл бұрын

1975 Zabar Malta ?

@Radio478

8 ай бұрын

Unbelievable well done guys 👏

@paullenehan1968

7 ай бұрын

Peace to you and all who keep and kept us safe in our sleep thankyou all for your sacrfice xx hope to you all 🐾🐾🐾🐾

Yet another fascinating history lesson I knew nothing about, well researched and brilliantly told, many thanks. I saw several in my youth take off with that thunderous roar from their engines, yet appear to just hang in the sky like paper darts when turning. Greatest respect to all RAF crews who flew them, especially those who cratered the airport runway kicking off recapturing the Falklands. Now that's a story worth recounting.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much

@CaptVirtual

2 жыл бұрын

dito

The bigger power stations built in the late 1970s had peak looping gas turbines that made 15 megawatts electric in two minutes. Olympus turbines provided the hot gas. Each one housed in a concrete blockhouse. We had one explode. The protection worked but the reinforced concrete riff was lifted and shifted. Seeing the damage it’s a surprise the Vulcan didn’t lose its ring.

A sight I'll never forget. Early 60s. at an air show at Laverton Victoria Australia. A Vulcan came in low, pointed its nose up and with a tremendous roar, went straight up. So impressive to me, a young air cadet.

@bazzinbulgaria4826

Жыл бұрын

I remember that...I was at Radschool then.

My father in law was head teacher at Wingate School (Doughie Haigh) when it crashed. He told me the story years ago. He is 90 now and I’m sure would love to see this. Many thanks!

@jmc0075

Жыл бұрын

Wow. Mr haigh now there’s a name from the past mr haigh taught mr in the 80s. I found him strict but fair. Hope he’s in good health. He made a great impact on my early years.

@maharishijetset4609

Жыл бұрын

Ha ha! Imagine going out with his daughter!! I’m going up to see him soon for his 90th I’ll mention you to him. Thanks for the comment.

@roymeadows1708

Жыл бұрын

@@maharishijetset4609 He was the best with a cane I ever encountered. Nearly took your finger ends off. Fully deserved I might add. He was a good head teacher. Give him my best regards please.

@jmc0075

Жыл бұрын

@@roymeadows1708 now there’s a name from the past mr meadows. Do you still live in wingate mate.

@roymeadows1708

Жыл бұрын

@@jmc0075 Yes mate..Now in Market Crescent..Been there for 20 years now.

I recall my father once described that he saw the plane come down (he thought initially onto the school) and went to help. On his way and crossing an open field he looked up and saw a paper object fluttering towards him which landed perfectly in his hands. He saw that it was a map. Almost immediately a 'military dressed man' came across the field and confiscated the map claiming it was MOD property or such, and walked off again........

@leew8812

2 жыл бұрын

what a fantastic series of events...

@unbearifiedbear1885

2 жыл бұрын

Did your father also happen to work for the FBI New York City field office in the early 2000's, by any chance...?

@gabriellourenco4334

2 жыл бұрын

...Any British military air crash is under the Official Secrets Act; in other words any piece of wreckage and report is considered top secret until the aircraft type is retired or any survivors died of old age...

@MrZenitJ

Жыл бұрын

@@gabriellourenco4334 I'm sure my father would have handed it in. If he was still around I would have liked to ask if the man who came to him was dressed like the aircrew, I guess he would not have known exactly what they looked like then. Whoever this man was he was very quickly on the scene.

@charade993

Жыл бұрын

What a lovely story....

My grandparents lived in a street called Lake view which is just across the road from where the Vulcan crashed, It crashed in a field behind the Coop store, They suffered a few broken windows as did nearby houses. I was given a vacuum gauge from the Vulcan by my uncle who found it on the road near the crash site. Wish I still had it.

As a child living close to The Cheviots I remember the low flyovers like it was yesterday. The noise, the excitement and the incredible flying skills all evident.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

7th January 1971, I (Simon Williams) was at St Hild’s school in Durham aged 11, on the Dragonville estate, the bell had just rung for the end of playtime when this airplane attracted our attention. One boy called out it was ‘Concord’, we all laughed at him and told him it was a Vulcan, and for sure it was on fire - or at least a black smoke trail laid out behind it - we could see no flames. I can see Leigh Coulson also commenting - he was one of my friends in my class (not seen him for 51 years!), this incident clearly etched permanently in all our minds. Durham is 6 miles from Wingate, and at this stage fair to say the plane was at about 6000 feet and 2 to 3 miles north of Durham. We watched as it went in a straight line roughly toward the east coast and out of sight. A teacher later confirmed the plane came down at Wingate just missing a school and the pilot had ejected - to which we speculated the pilot was now 2 inches shorter - none of us appeared to have thought about the rest of the crew! 5 years later aged 16 I was on my epic Newbury to Durham journey (300 miles avoiding motorways) on my Puch Maxi N2 (30 mph max speed) (took me 2 days), and going past RAF Dishforth with the longest runaway parallel to the A1, a Vulcan did 3 touch and go’s in the time it took me to do the length of the runway! You can’t get more ‘open top’ than a moped, and a Vulcan over my right shoulder, and doing circuits round me, what a sight, totally made my day. 3 years later with an RAF flying scholarship (Air Cadets) and learning to fly at Kirmington, near Hull, I had an ex.RAF Vulcan Navigator teaching us flying theory (we called him ‘teach’) - he told us the visibility from the cockpit of the Vulcan was quite poor and certainly not easy to see other light aircraft. I can imagine that trying to ‘dump’ a stricken Vulcan into the ground was never going to be easy, hence, the pilot ‘targeting’ the North Sea made sense. I note the incident never put me off wanting to be a pilot in the RAF (although had count my blessings for just being a private pilot.) 4 years later we have Vulcan XL319 landing at Sunderland on Video. kzread.info/dash/bejne/f4V_rsFuibnbhqg.html 1983 - Great sound at my old Sunderland flying club - great people - and now the Nissan car manufacturing plant - all credit to Nissan and the huge investments they’re making. And thanks to all those who have pieced history back together on the Internet.

Superb presentation thanks xxx

Great video. Thank you. I saw the latter stages of this unfold as an 8 year old boy in the playground of East Rainton Junior School, Co Durham. Incredible.

I watched this disaster from the playground of Wingate Junior School along with teachers and the rest of the pupils.I can still hear the noise it made as it hit the ground.

@JohnSmith-fg6pt

9 ай бұрын

MUST BE FROM GLENVIEW I'm FROM NORTHBROOK & SAW VERY BLACK SMOKE THROUGH TREES 2. 1/2. MILES AWAY. IT WAS A MAJESTIC PLANE ,, WHEN CLIMBING IT WOULD UPTURN AS IF ON A HINGE---- NO OTHER PLANE EVER BUILT ON THIS PLANET COULD DO THAT:: 1981 it came back toNAS GLENVIEW IT FLEW DIRECTLY OVER MY HOUSE @ ONLY 400' -- goosebumps I t reminded me of the CONCORDE

The number of military aircraft which crashed over the UK post war without killing many civilians on the ground is amazing. It shows the bravery and dedication of aircrew in distress avoiding civilian areas. I remember the Stubton Victor crash in Lincolnshire caused by an unrecoverable flat spin. The aircraft crashed into and demolished a farmhouse, killing two people inside the house and two rear crew members who were unable to bail out (no ejection seats in the rear) because of gravitational forces caused by the spin. The third rear crew member bailed out and survived and the pilot and Co pilot ejected safely.

At Wingare secondary Modern school at the time remember it well. Both Senior and juniors school were lucky that day.

@pierremchughes9917

2 ай бұрын

It came down closer to the infant's school . And it wasn't long before Fred Martindale was bouling one of the tyres up north road east

This crash is described in the prologue of Rowland White's book "Vulcan 607". Navigation Plotter, Jim Vinale, later went on to be part of Operation Black Buck raids on the Falklands in 1982.

Great story. The tactical route (low-level) skirted around the UK and was used by Vulcan crews to practice low-level flying at 500 ft above ground (agl) while avoiding built-up areas (quite difficult in parts of the UK, especially in England); the Dominie navigator trainer aircraft had a back end designed to mimic the Vulcan with two rear-facing nav stations and also flew low-level sorties following the "tac route" at 500 ft agl using map-matched radar predictions (MMRP) for nav updates. Weather could be a major issue, resulting in a climbout to a safe altitude; however, the introduction of Tornado with its terrain-following radar (TFR) changed low flying. The auto-pilot, tied in to the TFR, allowed Tornado to navigate in cloud down to 200ft agl; as a navigator used to pulling out of low-level as weather approached, it was an extremely weird experience the first time I sat in a Tornado with AP/TFR engaged flying into cloud over the North York moors at 250 ft agl. That certainly concentrated the mind!

Nicely done. Loud but beautiful birds. My sis was an RCAF met observer. One idled for hours outside their office in St Hubert PQ on delivering the video tapes to Canada. Her hearing was never the same.

As a child out on break while attending a British Forces school in Malta back in 1975, I witnessed one of these magnificent aircraft explode in mid-air following a failed landing at Luqa airport. As I understand it, and similar to Wingate, the crew were also trying to make it out over the sea in order to ditch the aircraft, but fire spread too quickly and only the pilots, using their ejector seats made it out. The aircraft crashed into a village. Five crew members from the rear and one person on the ground lost their lives, but the toll could have been substantially higher considering how densely populated much of Malta is. I could be wrong, but I think the Vulcan was pulled from service not long after that incident.

An outstanding video of an incident that required exceptional airmanship. Bravo Zulu to the crew of XM610. Thank you!

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it.

Years ago, at MCAS El Toro, I had the pleasure of seeing the Vulcan in person. What a beautiful aircraft! The best part? Her sound! When you are standing behind, the crackle of those engines was pure magnificence.

@FernandoPartridge

Жыл бұрын

When I was a kid we often camped near an R.A.F base in Devon, Vulcans, often accompanied by Lightnings were a fantastic sight and sound as they arrived/departed and flew the circuit.

Another quality monograph about a fascinating incident. Your presentations consistently demand my undivided attention. Yes, the three crew in the back are not well cared for in the design of any of the V bombers in terms of exiting the aircraft in flight. They would be forgiven for concluding that they were dispensable. I was fortunate enough to see a Valiant on one of these low-altitude training runs whilst trout fishing with my Dad on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales, circa 1962. It came barreling up the valley, low, massive, white, noisy and fast. I remember looking across the valley rather than up at the sky; it was lower than the hills. I was then an impressionable 7-year old. Needless to say, I remain impressed.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it. That's quite a tale from your youth. It must have been quite a sight.

@robshirewood5060

2 жыл бұрын

I read a book by the "test ejector" Doddy Hay who pioneered ejection seats and he and others complained that the rear crew should also have had the ejector seats, but that it was the Labour government that would NOT provide the cash to pay for them. Many died as a result. The book was called "Man in the Hot Seat" i think. One aircraft captain had to eject and lost 6 crew in two abandonments, another told his co pilot to eject and stayed with his rear crew having had to abandon 3 men in a previous incident. The price of our freedoms is too high and we should never allow governments to reduce the safety of our personnel due to cost when we waste so much of our nation's finances on policies such as the profligate waste on the illegal immigrants, and abandon our valuable people who serve so courageously and professionally. They deserve better in service and after service too. God speed and a salute to all who served and serve.

@leighrate

Жыл бұрын

That seems to be a hallmark of Avro designed aircraft. The Lancaster was even worse, almost impossible to escape from. Particularly for anyone aft of the main wing spar. The Americans incidentally took considerable pains to ensure crew could escape.

@robshirewood5060

Жыл бұрын

@@leighrate I have been inside a Lancaster and as a parachutist, it would seem going out from the side door would have been easier for the mid upper gunner, and possibly aiding the rear gunner, the ones in front of the main spar were in closer proximity and would seem to have far less chance of getting out. I have also been inside a Shackleton Mk3 and the same would seem to apply there. In the Shackleton the escape "chute" which is basically a shaft between the pilots did seem rather restrictive. I am not sure where the other escape hatches were but it could warrant further investigation. One of my relatives was a ww2 and post ww2 RAF Pilot who flew single engine and twin engine aircraft, as well as being transported on Halifaxes, which were easier to get out of apparently from what he said. Both Halifax and Stirling were used to drop "sticks" of Paras, SAS and SOE, i cannot recall if Lancaster' s were ever used for that. That wing spar is a very chunky obstacle in both the Lancaster and Shackleton by the way.

Another excellent episode, thanks for producing it. I have a very vague memory of this incident - unless there was a different Vulcan crash around that time. I was still in elementary school at the time. Love the Vulcans, such an elegant aircraft. Don't they say in aviation design, " if it looks right, it probably is right". The Vulcan definitely looks right. This is also a good example of why you never stop training. Every crew member did their jobs, and didn't hesitate when they were told to jump.

I was in Wingate Junior school same as Roy, I was 8 yrs old. I remember all of us looking up at it for what seemed like ages, came really low over the school and into the ground. Everything went quiet for a couple of seconds then a ball of flames shot up in the air, very frightening.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Quite a sight for someone so young.

I was at school in Peterlee when this happened I clearly remember the Vulcan flying over the school very very low was a big shock

Very, very well done ! ! ! You described it excellently! ! ! Thanks! As a kid I remember this on the news, and discussed by family members...

@TheNorthernHistorian

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

I used to live in Kelloe, and always wandered what happened. Thanks

Brave fellas... decorations well earned. I was at the accident scene of XL390 in August of 1978 in Glenview, IL. I was only 7 years old. I'll never forget it.

@mh53j

Жыл бұрын

I wondered when that was. I had an uncle that was stationed at Glenview and remember hearing he saw the crash, or at least it's aftermath.

@JohnSmith-fg6pt

9 ай бұрын

I lived in Northbrook. It happened 11 August 1978 - it crashed 3 miles from me : I heard a thud & smoke in trees in forest::

@JohnSmith-fg6pt

9 ай бұрын

Iwas 21 year old all pilots were killed, I trying to get to crash site

@JohnSmith-fg6pt

9 ай бұрын

WHY DID HE CRASH?? someone saw white smoke as it turned quickly over BIKE track & garbage dump which it crashed into. !

@TerraVeritas

9 ай бұрын

@@JohnSmith-fg6pt We were so close. My mom was driving our Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, and my twin brother and I, both 7, were in the back seat watching the plane fly its pattern. Just a coincidence we were there as our mom was dragging us around to thrift shops that day. We were so amazed because of its delta wing design. We had never seen a plane like that. And then it went down. We were so close as the plane was so big in our car's window... likely 2 miles away, or less. We felt the impact. Our mom pulled over, got out of the car and we all saw the smoke rise. She was shaken as were we. I'll never forget it. At the time, my Dad was stationed at Ft Sheridan and a US Army Major General. He was a senior officer with the Corps Of Engineers, and the Chairman of the Mississippi River Commission, appointed by President Carter. He traveled a few miles to Glenview Naval Air Station for a memorial ceremony 2 or 3 days later for the British crew. Very sad.

I’m from County Durham now living in Melbourne. Such a delight to hear the names of towns from my youth. Once again another brilliant piece of aviation investigation. These videos are so riveting can’t understand why the site doesn’t have a larger following, it leaves others of similar ilk in the dust.

@TheNorthernHistorian

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much

@stemartin6671

Жыл бұрын

You lucky beggar lol

@matty6848

Жыл бұрын

It’s amazing how many ex pats absolutely love living in Australia yet miss so much of home. My cousin lives in Geelong Victoria although he loves living in Australia he misses the U.K. like mad. He said he actually looks forward to visiting home every other year to see his family and friends. Must say I’ve been to Australia 3 times myself and it is a great place to live🙂

@stemartin6671

Жыл бұрын

@@matty6848 I'd swap Durham for Australia in a heart beat mate. Yeah I'd miss it, but I wouldn't want to come back lol 😆

@matty6848

Жыл бұрын

@@stemartin6671 yeh that’s what cousin says. He like you really does miss the U.K. more family and friends than anything else, but he wouldn’t ever come back or leave Australia. Especially as his kids were born over there, so that’s all they know. It is a great outdoor lifestyle though. Although I must admit I went over one year towards the Australian winter and I was shocked how cold it gets down south in N.S.W and Victoria in the winter. Not as cold as the U.K. winters though🥶😂

I was working at Philadelphia Central stores for the NCB at the time and saw this plane going down over Wingate. I was 15 years old at the time and remember it well. Glad all crew were safe and well

I was 8 (9 in the March of that year) and i was in the school playground in Dene House Juniors in Peterlee and i can remember vividly the plane flying over with smoke coming out of the rear. It crashed not far from my Aunt's house in Station Town. FLt Lt Alcock was later to be on the crew of the Vulcan that bombed the runway in the Falklands war.

I can recall standing in my school yard at Ushaw Moor junior school aged 10, looking up at this vulcan on fire and counting the parachutes opening as the crew bailed out. Thankfully it didn't put me off becoming a pilot in my adult life.

I used to see The Vulcans flying overhead regularly when I was a kid back in the 70's, although I had no idea what they were at the time. Then a few years later on, I'd cycle up to Binbrook and watch The Lightnings doing their thing. It's a small regret of mine that I never joined The RAF, or at least never pushed harder to try. I went as far as going into the careers office and came out fancying joining the police, or the "Snowdrops", as they were called. I remember feeling pretty excited about the idea but then stupidly allowed myself to be put off by a lot of my RAF mates at school who were telling me that everybody hated them (the police) on camp. Ah well, shoulda, coulda, woulda and all that!

Excellent story telling, content and visuals. Thank you.

Outstanding video and details Lived in the area all of my 70+ years. Never knew about this !!! Thank you

@TheNorthernHistorian

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Flt Lt Alcock also had another Vulcan ejection in 1975 from XM645 in Malta. This had fatalities after a landing mishap and a go-around. Looking at a number of these incidents (including the Victor bomber) it is frustrating that the rear crews did not have ejection seats.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I did read that as part of my research for this story. The rear crews certainly did get a rough deal.

@timhancock6626

2 жыл бұрын

It was always controversial and the Vulcan crash at Heathrow after a hitherto successful world tour on 1st October 1956 when four crew died, but the two pilots ejected and survived put this feature into sharp relief from day one of V- Bomber operations. Given favourable circumstances Wingate did at least show that complete crew survival was possible. I used to live not far from the RAF Leeming flight circuit and Vulcans would visit from time to time. On leaving they would do some circuits then climb out almost on full power heading south. On a calm summers evening you could hear their engines for ages rumbling into the distance as they climbed. It was a little eerie in some ways.

@jpgabobo

2 жыл бұрын

When I got to climb up into the Vulcan, I could look but not touch the front because the seats were live, but the rear seats were fine to sit in. Reminded me of the A-3 Skywarrior crews that had to jump out of a hatch in the floor. Imagine if modern airliners had ejection seats for the pilot & co-pilot only.

@syder2

Жыл бұрын

My great friend George Heslop RIP was a paramedic that day in Malta that day I think it was the CO last flight and his family were watching he would never ever forget that scene and loss of life years later he was at faslane and one of the first on the scene at Dunblane

@chrisfitmr

Жыл бұрын

a lot of controversy over what happen over Zabar Malta. Alcock is said to have let the copilot attempt the landing. something nog recommended at the time because of the runway. a lot long now than back then. he came in heavy anx bounced hard damaging the landing gear. alcock too over.. for a go round.. the rest is history

Fascinating story, excellently told and thoroughly researched. A joy to watch, thanks

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

Well deserved award and commendations for the crew. A fine and well interesting film! 👍

Very interesting, I don't remember that one at all but I do remember the Vulcan crash at Syerston back in the late 1950's. I was once driving down the A1 about 1981/2 and as I came round the roundabout at RAF Leeming I was met by Police in the road who told me to stop and turn off my engine. After a few minutes a Vulcan came in from the west just above the road surface and landed at the airfield and off we went again. Wonderful sight so close to it. I heard later the plane was being retired there and that was its last flight.

great video thanks. I lived in shotton colliery just north of wingate at the time. I was ten years old and this memory has always stayed with me. I remember it was very low passing over head I remember the noise and the plume of smoke trailing from the left engine I wondered has it got bombs on it. Also remember seeing for the first time in my life a couple of parachutes slowly decending. then it was gone followed by a boom soon after seeing a plume of smoke south of shotton colliery

I remember camping in Anglesea in the 70s and watching the Vulcans practicing their bombing dives, very impressive at the time. I've never heard about this incident though, thanks for posting.

My grandfather worked of this project. When I was young and slept over, there were several pictures of this jet.

Brilliant story. I was one year old when this happened my dad had to cover my ears as he says the noise from Vulcan was loud We lived in aclom street station town a stones throw from crash site. Local farmer still has parts of plane in his barn.

@roymeadows1708

Жыл бұрын

I lived in Front street two doors down from Wynns shop

@jmc0075

Жыл бұрын

@@roymeadows1708 Roy just clicked on who you are I used to drink with you now and then in the top house drewits disco Friday nights 😂

@roymeadows1708

Жыл бұрын

@@jmc0075 Happy days mate..😁

At least no one was killed or injured. You had me worried there and in suspense.

Fascinating story.A beautiful aircraft came to a fiery end,at least no people lost to its demise.Keep up the good work👏👏👏

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks.

I was from trimdon station, I was at the school between trimdon colliery and trimdon village back road near fox cover, I remember the teacher ringing the bell to go in after play time and we all seen the plane on fire .. long long time ago but remember it so clear .no 1 killed was a miracle really .

an amazing story and well told sir! I live nearby, in Durham, and did not know anything about this.

Ha "Ask and thou shall receive" what a legend mate 👍

Well done for an excellent account of an incident from my childhood!

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

Superbly narrated and researched, thanks.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

I really enjoyed that. Thanks. Subbed and look forward to further gems of History.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

Great video, glad everyone was safe. As kids, we regularly saw Vulcans fly over Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire, at low altitude when they were out on exercise/patrol from RAF Waddington. It was a sight to behold when they banked sharply around the back of the now demolished Ferrybridge ’C’ Power Station. It was like watching a huge metal Pterodactyl flying around. And when the pilot levelled out and headed onwards towards RAF Church Fenton, that was also amazing: the huge cry/roar as the pilot opened the throttles; the thick dark soot from the four Olympus engines… still gives me goosebumps. Fine, just fine. Ahhhh, time machine please!! Sorry, good memories. Love your channel. Keep up the excellent work.👍🏻

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

That must have been some sight and sound! Thanks for your comment

@Simonize41

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheNorthernHistorian It was, and you’re welcome. :)

@rumpstatefiasco

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking us back there with you via your well written comment! I can just see it. How everyone does not get goosebumps with a great fly-past, that I’ll never be able to grasp.

@Simonize41

2 жыл бұрын

@@rumpstatefiasco Aw, you’re welcome George. I appreciate your kind comment very much. They were magical times back then. I was lucky and I had a very accommodating father who encouraged my interest in aviation. We’d go to regular yearly airshows, such as RAF Church Fenton & RAF Finningley, and more. We would go to RAF Binbrook at least once a month to watch the EE Lightnings (my favourite military jet, next to TSR-2), which was always a fantastic day out, even if it rained! Calling in at RAF Coningsby, Waddington or Scampton would be part of those trips as well. I’m still a keen follower of everything aviation, but modern aircraft are far too clinical and soulless to me. I know things are different and technology has moved on hugely, but you’ll never beat the days of the Lightning, Vulcan (V Force), the Phantom, Folland Gnat, Hunter, Jaguar etc (and that’s just the RAF!!). Everything was more real back then; more grunt and honesty; far more piloting skills were required, too. Too techie in assistance for me these days, although of course modern day pilots still require immense skill. Anyway, just my opinion. Thanks again and be well. Simon

My grandparents use to live in Hutton Henry just south of Wingate and I didn't know about this accident.There's some largish towns south of Wingate; Stockton, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough so imagine if it had landed on one of them or worse crashed into ICI Billingham!

When Coningsby or Scampton, forget which, moved to Cottesmore in '64, a Civilian Working Party (CWP) arrived from Bristols, the engine makers, and their job was to fit armour plating to the Olympus engines, working out of 1 Hanger. We were put on 12 hour shifts, 2 weeks of days,1 week of nights is how the three shifts operated. The three sqdn's we were servicing proved challenging, as a mod programme was embodied and a number of STI's were carried out. One STI involved removal of the emergency overwing defueling connections and I as a scrawny erk was much sought after to hold an open ended spanner on the four bolt heads whilst someone from underneath, perhaps in an engine bay, I don't recall, ratcheded off the nuts etc. I say sought after because I had to lie on my back and slither forward through the gap made by removing the rectangular panel underneath one of the airbreaks, and the outer skin, and hold my spanner at arms length.

British engineering at its finest. Such a great shame that there are no flying examples anymore.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

A shame indeed.

The Vulcan is my fav aircraft. Nice video, thank you!

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Brilliant video

That was an intense situation! Good thinking of the Pilots & flight crews... Sometimes, things like these happen, even to the most advanced planes. It was very lucky , after the pilots ejected, that the plane did not come down in a populated area...

The is an Avro Vulcan B.2 XL319 at Washington Rd Sunderland, recently renovated. There is a vicious rumour the locals stripped the wreckage site bare and reassembled and tried to weigh it in at Newton's Scrap Yard a few hundred yards away. They would have too but the lads reckon it ran out of juice.

@davidganning8699

Жыл бұрын

That will be right

That was a great recounting of fact. A very interesting story. Thank you.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Great analysis Mr Geordie.

@TheNorthernHistorian

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

Great work guys

I was 3 in the april of that year and lived in the street 14 store bank it crashed in the feild behind our house leaving a 25 foot hole i still have trouble with low flying aircraft when i cant see them the noise freeks me out still im 54 now and remember it well my mam &myself were in the hartlepool mail my dad found out about it when he seen us when he read the paper after work well done pilot for saveing mine and my mams life xx 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Superb video and commentary! Really well done!

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much.

Very interesting, Thank you. I lived close to Waddington as a kid and spent many hours at on the road at the end of the runway watching the take off.. I would ride up from North Hykeham on my push bike. I'd have been 12 yrs old in 1971 and who knows I may have seen it leave on the day of the disaster.

I am no aeronautical engineer, but I can apply logic. The lack of ejection seats for the rear crew is simply down to weight, and the structure of the aircraft. ...... Pilots are VERY expensive to train, so it makes sense to prioritise saving pilots, plus the cockpit roof is relatively easy to remove to permit ejection. ...... Each ejection seat adds 100 to 150 lbs weight, but more than that, one would need to completely redesign the rear fuselage to accommodate a clean exit of no less than 3 seats, which would add a lot of structural weight.. ...... With weight and space already at a premium, ejector seats simply were never a practical proposition.

I visited Waddington in 1969 as part of our training on air radar. Very sad the number of pilots and crew lost since the last war.

Fascinating, many thanks👏🏻👏🏻

I live a few miles from Wingate snd never knew of this. Yes before I was born, but still WOW !! Thanks for the video 👍

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

I'm in Newcastle and I was unaware also. Glad you enjoyed it.

@andrewwilkinson6575

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheNorthernHistorian assumed you were from 'The Toon' before you mentioned it... geordie is obvious. Great to get someone local putting stuff out.

In his book on the development of the Martin Baker ejection seats "The Man in the Hot Seat" WTH "Doddy" Hay (MB's second seat "Test Pilot") relates how MB DID in fact develop seats for the REAR crew compartment of the V bombers. Its shameful that they were not put into service. Apparently the modifications were considered "too expensive". I am an experienced parachutist (both as a civilian skydiver, and Military "HALO" qualified) and I'll tell you, the "manual" exit from the V-Bombers looks as scary as hell to ME under IDEAL conditions.. and damn near impossible in any "unusual" flight attitude... Hay made an important point also, that the provision of seats for the Aircraft CAPTAIN and Co pilot but NOT for the "Junior" guys down the back, cut right through the Service tradition of looking after the "troops" first.

I saw this incident.i was exercising a racehorse with others close to the Rushyford to Bishop Auckland Road & saw the Pilot eject just before the plane went down . I did not realise till now that it was a Vulcan Bomber .I did hear at the time that the Co Pilot had ejected earlier but only realised from this article that three crew members had parachuted to safety over Rothbury

@Peter-ix1ym

Жыл бұрын

Any tips for Cheltenham 2023?

I was at work that day over the road from where it crashed.Alot of very lucky people that day .

wow I didn't know about this, I'm from Stockton and often cycle upto Sunderland along the old railway that stops right by Station town then Wingate, every days a school day thanks for sharing.

@johnwalker194

2 жыл бұрын

Same here ! I cycled the same route a few summers ago on a trip back home to Hardwick and stopped in station town on route to Seaham ! Would have tried to find the spot if I'd known.

@andrewwww7684

2 жыл бұрын

@@johnwalker194 Yeah next time I'm up that way on the cycle path I was thinking the same must be a bit of a big depression in the ground if a Vulcan went in as they are huge might have a look.

Good story, very well told, great editing from found footage

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated!

Superb. Fascinating account well told with spot on graphics.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Great video thanks.

@TheNorthernHistorian

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Steve Palfrey 1 second ago I was in the playground in Wingate. 10 years old and saw it go over on fire. It actually came down behind houses in Station Town( a small ex colliery village next to Wingate). I shut my eyes and plugged my ears as it hit, but the ground shook. We only found out afterwards that noone was on board and that one of the airmen landed on Peterlee roundabout. A piece of wing broke off and landed down the road from where I lived.

Great video - thanks.

@TheNorthernHistorian

Жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

First time watching this channel but what a great video to start on

@TheNorthernHistorian

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

Hadn't heard of this incident before. Excellent video, sir!

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@oxcart4172

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheNorthernHistorian Oh, thank u!

Very good video & a vulcan story I hadn't heard, thanks. I think I recognised some footage used of the Wellesbourne vulcan final delivery flight? Great editing & I particularly liked the map zooms into the Waddington & Leeming airfields, two familiar sights where I used to live/ work.

I was a pupil at Easington Junior School and watched the burning Vulcan cross the sky towards Peterlee from the playground.

That was very interesting - thank you for posting. I have always thought the vulcan one of the most beautiful aircraft ever made.

@TheNorthernHistorian

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Very interesting. Thanks 😊

Remember it well, arrived at crash site shortly after. I found a piece of the Vulcan intake valve which kept 30 years eventually gave it to Air museum Sunderland.

Vulcan B2 XL390 of 617 Sqdn crashed at Glenview NAS, Chicago on 11 Aug 1978 during an air show. Got to meet the awesome crew and got a tour of the cockpit and sit in the coal hole before they flew their show at El Toro, Ca, early that same year. I was just 12, but this still haunts me. Thanks for the excellent video.

@JohnSmith-fg6pt

9 ай бұрын

1 was 21 I saw smoke billowing in nearby forest was 3 miles from crash in my home 🏡 town - Northbrook they coulda hit houses but turn back immediately after take off, turned to south , crashed in Glenview garbage 🗑 dump just north of willow rd.

@JohnSmith-fg6pt

9 ай бұрын

WHAT CAUSE THE CRASH ????

@JohnSmith-fg6pt

9 ай бұрын

They were too low to eject 400' they all burned to death-EXCEPT 1 AWent out hatch not enough time to deploy a chute . ... ..🙏 rip.

@JohnSmith-fg6pt

9 ай бұрын

11th August 1978- Glenview , Illinois 🙏

@JohnSmith-fg6pt

4 ай бұрын

I WAS 20 & 2 MILES AWAY IN GLENVIEW ILLINOIS WHEN IT CRASH I WAS IN NEIBORHOOD. EAST NORTHBROOK. AND HEARD THUD & SAW IMMENSE SMOKE THROUGH FOREST

Great story with a good end. Thank you. I grew up seeing these aeroplanes flying overhead in the North of Scotland.

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

I was aged 10 and at school in nearby Peterlee. I can still remember seeing the stricken plane fly past.

Great video. Liked it as always

@TheNorthernHistorian

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!