This was one of three R1s. It was on a post maintenance testflight from Kinloss when things went wrong on 16 May'95. After 35 min of flight, following an anti-icing system test, No4 and No3 engine fire warnings illuminated. Whilst the crew were carrying out the fire drill, a rear crew member confirmed that the R1 was on fire and reported that panels were falling away from the starboard wing. After 2 explosions, the captain feared for the structural integrity and decided to ditch in the North Sea before he lost control authority. The R1 bounced twice, broke apart and sank, seven crew survived.

This photo is copyright © Stephan de Bruijn, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

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