This information is added by users of ASN. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information.
You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Tuesday 21 September 1965 |
| Time: | |
| Type: | Westland Whirlwind HAR10 (S-55) |
| Owner/operator: | 22 Sqn RAF |
| Registration: | XJ410 |
| MSN: | WA/36 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Location: | River Torridge, Bideford, Devon -
 United Kingdom
|
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | RAF Chivenor, Devon (EGDC) |
Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 XJ410 of 22 Squadron, RAF was written off on 22/9/1965: During a dry winching exercise on the airfield at Chivenor, Devon the crew were scrambled to search for a swimmer. While flying at speed in a nose down attitude it flew under - and struck - power lines spanning the river Torridge at Bideford, Devon. This removed the tail rotor and the helicopter fell into the shallow river mouth. The four crew escaped without injury. The "swimmer" turned out to be a false alarm, as it was found to be, in fact, a large log
Sources:
1. http://www.ukserials.com/losses-1965.htm
2. https://www.helis.com/database/cn/26326/
3. https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/view/1152817/ (XJ410 at Biggin Hill on 18/9/1965 - three days before it crashed
4. http://www.ukserials.com/images/losses/xj410.jpg (photo of wreckage)
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 27-Sep-2013 15:29 | Dr. John Smith | Added |
| 18-Dec-2013 18:31 | Nepa | Updated [Operator, ] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation