Hunter/Whirlwind mid-air collision 1957

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16 years 7 months

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Hawker Hunter WP144 and Westland Whirlwind XK908 were involved in a mid-air collision over East Stratton, Hampshire, on 10 September 1957. The pilot of the Hunter, F/O Brian John Stephens ejected and survived. The pilot of the Whirlwind, Lieutenant John Philip Eynon, and his passenger, Cyril Waine, both were killed when the helicopter fell to earth. Does anyone know if either or both the RAF and the RN convened a Court of Inquiry and, if so, what was the outcome? I'm particularly interested to know the altitude at which the collision occurred. Also does anyone know anything of the subsequent military career of F/O Stephens?

With my thanks in anticipation.

AA

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16 years 7 months

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Thank you, Wyvernfan. That's from where I came!:)

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16 years 7 months

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I'll just give this a bump before drawing the inevitable conclusion. But assuming that is so, can anyone suggest where I might more usefully pose my specific questions?

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AA,suggest you try the FAA Museum at Yvt.,as the BOI would have been led by the Senior Service,as they also suffered the fatality; however , my acquaintance who I`ve asked ,suggests that at this `distance`,records may not have survived,but worth a try....

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Thank you. Will do, sycamore.

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I think this might be your man AA.
From the London Gazette...

Pilot Officer to Flying Officer :
B. J. STEPHENS (4158228). 27th Jan. 1957.

Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant :
B. J. STEPHENS (4158228). 10th Oct. 1961

Appointment to commission (permanent) As Flight Lieutenant (General List) : 1st Oct. 1962
Brian John STEPHENS (4158228)

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As Acting Pilot Officer on probation (twelve years on the active list and four years on the reserve):—
Cadet Pilot 4158228 Brian John STEPHENS (4158228) (period of service to count from 13th Oct 1954).

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I'm very grateful to you both, bazv and Mothminor. That leaves me just to pursue the collision altitude issue.

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Posts: 409

AA,you might also try `Pprune-Mil,or Av.History,as someone may have crossed his path.......