Crashed Gallery

The 24 hour race at Le Mans, France for the Rudge-Whitworth Cup

The 24 hour race at Le Mans, France for the Rudge-Whitworth Cup: a huge collision at night. From front to back: Bentley car no.1 with Leslie Callingham (1888-1960) thrown clear, Bentley car no.2 with George Duller (1891-1962) jumping, Bentley no.3 of Sydney Charles Houghton "Sammy" Davis (1887-1981), the eventual race winner along with alternate driver Dr Joseph Dudley Benjafield (1887-1957) and a Schneider that had skidded (driven by Pierre Tabourin). Date: 1927

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Boeing F4B-4 NR9846

Boeing F4B-4 NR9846 (ex A9241 / NC-14). The second of two US Marine Corps F4B-4s stripped of military equipment for the Bureau of Commerce (later FAA), in 1940 and registered NC-14. Soon released by the government NC-14 was re-registered NR9846 and sold to stunt pilot Jesse Bristow. NR9846 is seen here before Bristow extensively modified it with I-struts, full engine cowling, variable-pitch propeller and fittings for Jet Assisted Take Off rockets. After successful air-show cemonstrations Bristow sold the aircraft which crashed, flown by the new owner, in 1948. Date: circa 1946

© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library

McDonnell RF-4C Phantom 64-1073

United States Air Force - McDonnell RF-4C-23-MC Phantom 64-1073 (msn 1116, base code AR'), of the 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, from RAF Alconbury, at RAF Upper Heyford on 29 August 1970. When flying with the 123rd TRW. 641073 crashed in Cherokee National Forest, Kentucky during a low level training mission on 16 May 1982. Both crew ejected safely. Date: 1970

© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans