§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the crash of a Hunter aircraft at Lodge Farm, near Bury St. Edmunds.
§ Mr. PattieAn RAF Hunter aircraft from RAF Honington crashed about l km from the village of Little Saxham, near Bury St. Edmunds, shortly before 4 pm on 29 May. The aircraft was one of two taking part in low level navigation training. Both crew members ejected, one sustaining minor injury. There were no civilian casualties. The aircraft impacted in open farmland causing some damage to crops and trees. My Department is in contact with the owner about compensation.
An RAF board of inquiry is investigating the accident. A summary of the causes will be published when the investigation is completed. However, I can say at this stage that initial reports indicate that about 20 minutes into the flight the aircraft experienced engine trouble and, following standard procedure, the pilot climbed from low level and attempted to relight the engine. This was only partially successful. Although they made every effort to save their aircraft, further indications of engine malfunctions and finally a complete loss of engine power obliged the crew to abandon the aircraft which they did after making sure that it 303W was headed towards open ground in a nose-down attitude.