HC Deb 07 May 1970 vol 801 cc187-8W
Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the recent loss of a Phantom aircraft from H.M.S. " Ark Royal ".

Dr. David Owen:

A Royal Navy Phantom aircraft was lost on 3rd May while operating on a normal exercise mission over the sea under radar control by H.M.S. " Ark Royal ". Radar and speech contact were lost simultaneously. An extensive search by Naval and R.A.F. ships and aircraft failed to locate any wreckage. I regret to say that the two-man crew are missing, presumed dead. A Naval Board of Inquiry is to be held.

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