On the 30th April 1976 2 Folland Gnat T.1 trainers flying from 4F.T.S R.A.F.Valley collided over the village of Brithdir ! XP536 and XR983 fell at about the centre of this picture [ref from Valley M.R.T report] with the loss of the 2 crews=
Flt. Lt. Kenneth Graham Ivell
Flt. Lt. David James Mather
Flt. Lt. Ian James Sanford
Capt.. David Keiffer U.S.A.F
The two Gnats were taking part in a larger formation marking the retirement of a squadron commander at Valley. One of the crews reported a Phantom aircraft close by and as one of the pilots was intent on spotting this aircraft his plane struck the underside of the other gnat .
Flt. Lt. David James Mather was considered an expert in low level navigation and a trophy donated by his widow is awarded in his honour to students who attain the high standards
required !
2 comments:
i'm friend of widow of one of the pilots seeeking information about "e [ref from Valley M.R.T report]"
Please contact me.
Hi I will give you any info I have you can Mail me on xjboy550@yahoo.co.uk
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