§ 6. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement on the loss, over Detroit, of the Vulcan aircraft which was flying from Lincoln to Lincoln, Nebraska.
Mr. WardThe accident occurred on the afternoon of 24th October as the Vulcan, which was on a training flight from R.A.F. Waddington to the U.S.A.F. base at Lincoln in Nebraska, was approaching Detroit. The captain of the aircraft in an emergency distress signal said that a complete electrical failure had occurred, and that the aircraft was descending. The captain then asked for a heading to the nearest airfield. A few minutes later the aircraft crashed in the outskirts of Detroit. Two people on the ground received bums but their condition is now reported not to be serious. I greatly regret that the crew of five and the crew chief flying in the aircraft lost their lives.
920 A Royal Air Force Board of Inquiry began its investigations in the United States two days after the accident. The Board is receiving every assistance from the United States Air Force, and the civil authorities.
The House will I know wish to join with me in expressing sympathy with the bereaved.
§ Mr. de FreitasMay I assure the right hon. Gentleman that my hon. and right hon. Friends and I join with the Secretary of State in his expression of sympathy? Can he assure the House that this was a real, true training flight, and not a stunt in any way, in flying from Lincoln to Lincoln, Nebraska, because, as the right hon. Gentleman will understand, if there is any fear that this was anything other than a true training flight, great harm and anxiety can be caused?
Mr. WardI can readily give the assurance. This was one of the training flights which we call "Western Ranger", which take place quite frequently; but, of course, the aircraft was carrying a letter of greetings from the Mayor of Lincoln to the Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska, and perhaps it was that which gave rise to the doubts.