Meteor near Rowntrees.

This aircraft was on a training flight over the York area on Sunday the 6th of May 1951 when problems were encountered. The aircraft dived into the ground from about 15,000 feet at full power vertically. The aircraft crashed beside the York to Hull railway line yards from it and not far from the York to Scarborough junction. A huge crater was made after the aircraft disappeared into the ground and exploded, the pilot had no chance, he was killed instantly. It was suggested that anoxia may have been the cause for the crash although this was never proved. The railway line was damaged by the blast and a 10 MPH speed restriction was placed on the stretch until the line could be repaired.

Pilot - Sgt Kenneth John Hodgson RAF (577966), aged 26, of Manchester. Buried Queenstown Cemetery, Blackpool, Lancs.

I have yet to locate the site although I know of a suspect crater which I intend to check out sometime soon.