Fairchild Argus G-AJSA, belonging to the Plymouth Aero Club, crashed near Abington, South Lanarkshire, on the 7th April 1950

Fairchild Argus at the Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford

 

Bertram Edward Roberts Mr Pilot Survived

 

The aircraft was registered to the Plymouth Aero Club and had been chartered to fly to Turnhouse at Edinburgh. Having completed the flight to Turnhouse Mr Roberts, a member and instructor for the Exeter Aero Club, started the return flight back to the south of England. While near Abington in Lanarkshire it is reported that the aircraft departed controlled flight and entered a spin. If this was reported accurately it would seem that the pilot was able to recover some control, but not enough to prevent it from crashing onto the high ground to the east of Abington. Mr Roberts suffered a head injury in the crash but was able to get out of the wrecked aircraft and made his way off the hills to the north, arriving at one of the cottages at Wandel to the north of Abington. He stayed in the area overnight and continued home the next day by train from Carstairs.

Crash site of Fairchild Argus G-AJSA near Abington, South Lanarkshire
For some time the rusting fuselage frame of the aircraft was left at the crash site, today this is no longer present though parts from it are still present. This photograph shows the area where this once lay.
Crash site of Fairchild Argus G-AJSA near Abington, South Lanarkshire
One of the pieces of steel tube which was found at the crash site.
Crash site of Fairchild Argus G-AJSA near Abington, South Lanarkshire
Other small parts some pieces of aluminium still with paint adhered to them, a pulley and a step. The step can be seen in the photograph of an Argus at the RAF Museum at the top of the page on the end of a strut below one of the doors.
Crash site of Fairchild Argus G-AJSA near Abington, South Lanarkshire
Near by are some larger pieces of the aircraft, they are parts of the undercarriage and struts which braced the wings.
Crash site of Fairchild Argus G-AJSA near Abington, South Lanarkshire
Another of the larger pieces which was found close to the crash site.
Crash site of Fairchild Argus G-AJSA near Abington, South Lanarkshire
Parts scattered on the hilltop.