Long Shot - Audax Accident Reports Jan 1938 ? F1180 ?

[paulmcmillan]

All


On January 27, 1938 a two seat 'Bomber Aircraft' from 5 FTS Sealand got in to control problems and the pilot F/O Ronald Edmund Baxter (36055) instructed his pupil Acting P/O Sidney Herbert Lyttle to bail out of the aircraft. Baxter managed to recover the aircraft and land safely at Penrhos Aerodrome, while Lyttle landed safely at Tregarnedd Farm, Dinas near Pwllheli, Lleyn Peninsula, Caernarfonshire.


The aircraft was almost certainly a Hawker Audax (as the other aircraft at 5 FTS at the time were apparently single Seat Fury Fighters). As the aircraft was not damaged I wonder if an accident report was filed and if so was the serial recorded ? I wonder if anyone has the F1180 for the Audax at the time ?

Lyttle was killed the following year in a flying accident

P/O Sidney Herbert Lyttle (flying solo) lost" his life in an accident which occurred near Saffron Walden on June 21 (1939) to an aircraft of No. 29 Squadron. 21-6-1939
No.29 Sqn.
Blenheim IF L1504
Failed to climb after night take-off at Debden and struck trees; destroyed by fire

Thanks Paul

[highgroundsman]

Hi Paul, I very much doubt there will be an 1180 if there was no damage to the aircraft. Are you researching the aircraft, the unit or the airmen? There is much written in the press about Ronald Edmund Baxter. Regards Dave.

[paulmcmillan]

Dave thanks i was after the serial number of aircraft if possible and confirmation of type - the RAF were very keen to take accident/incidence statistics of this type of data so I assume a report would have had to be submitted and maybe a F1180 as engine issues were experienced and a crewman had to jump! I was hoping this was the case !

[paulmcmillan]

Just a quick question on this what documentation could be raised on this if Lyttle was injured as stated below ?

I note this article says 'Light Bomber' which gives more credence to it being an Hawker Audax


Chester Chronicle - Saturday 05 February 1938
Page 15

THRILLING ’PLANE ADVENTURE
JUMP BY PARACHUTE C
HESTER FLYING OFFICER’S PLUCK
Flying Officer R E Baxter son Minor Canon Baxter Chester
and his friend Pilot Lyttle had a thrilling adventure
on Thursday when controls of the machine jammed and they
found themselves 1000 feet above Pwllheli and speedily losing height

As he struggled with the controls Mr Baxter showed great pluck
and presence mind telling Pilot Lyttle to jump by parachute.
He landed a field on Tregarnedd Farm Dinas and
was slightly injured. Two Tregarnedd men Norris Jones
and Griffith Jones saw his plight rushed to aid.
Meanwhile the pilot managed to make safe landing at
Penrhos Aerodrome The machine was a light bomber attached
to the Sealand (Chester) RAF- Squadron training Pehrhos