Auster Crash 1950’s.

Auster Aiglet registration G-AHLK photographed  at Fairoaks Airfield c.1966
Image courtesy of  Dave Welch ©

Recently a enquirer mentioned an incident of an Auster Aiglet, a single engine light aircraft, having to force land on Epsom Downs in the 1950’s due to engine problems. However on some limited investigations due to lack of access to all our records it was found that there was a difference of opinion as to the registration number of the actual aircraft involved.

On the information available we believe that it was actually G-AHLK that came down. The machine was repaired and was known to have flown again from it’s base of Biggin Hill.

Auster 3 G-AHLK (Ex. NJ889) Operated by J H Powell-Tuck at Compton Abbas 22.05.2010
Image courtesy of Robin A Walker © 2021

Bert Barnhurst 2021

Comments

In June  2021 Geoff Thornton wrote :

“I believe this crash landing actually happened on Epsom Common. I was able to view the aircraft (I think it had flipped  over) from Lewins Road at the edge of the Common. At that time the Common had not regrown after its arable use in WW2. As the site was to the north east of the Wells Estate I wonder if the pilot had attempted a landing on the flatter ground at the high point of the Common where a broad track existed towards the Stew Ponds. I have tried to find” contemporary reportage online but have been unsuccessful.”

Can you confirm this report?