In August 1962 Ron was stationed at the A&AEE Boscombe
Down as a test pilot. Part of the programme was to conduct spinning
trials on various aircraft types. The purpose was to ensure that
the aircraft could be brought out of a spin and to devise techniques
to do so.
One particular aircraft being tested was the Jet Provost,
which had a reputation of being difficult to recover. Especially
important was the Jet Provost trainer which was likely to be used
by less experienced pilots.
On August 21st 1962 Ron and another pilot, Squadron
Leader John Barwell, took up XM456 three times, each time spinning
it and coming out successfully. They following day they took it up
again but this time the aircraft did not come out of the spin.
Ron's correspondence with Martin-Baker and other parties
tells the story....
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Original Images and Text ©
Ronald A. Lees 1962
Web site © Lees Family Trust 2002
