Man advocates for recognition of test pilot Sam Mckenna

Tony Dyer, 59, has spent the last 10 years digging archaeological pits in a field where a former test pilot crashed at the end of the Second World War.

That pilot is John Francis Xavier Mckenna, who was later known as 'Sam', who worked as a career pilot and test pilot. Wing commander Sandy Powell described him, saying: 'He knew more about it [test flying] than practically any test pilot in the world.'

Sam Mckenna, former test pilot (Image: Crown Copyright)

Sam joined the RAF in 1926, flying fighter jets by 1930. During his career, he even assessed the prototype Spitfire, leading to a revolutionary landing.

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Tony said: "He was out test flying the prototype spitfire and he had an engine failure. At the time, if you had an engine failure, you would just bail out which would destroy the aircraft.

"He did a forced landing and saved the aircraft."

Sam had conducted a 'belly landing', later writing a rule book on the manoeuvre for future fighters.

In 1941, Sam was chosen to go to the USA to test American aircraft - work that was crucial to war effort. Returning to the UK in 1944, he began working at Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) as the second ever OC.

In 1945, Sam took off on a flight in a Mustang Mk fV - an aircraft he would have become familiar with during his time in the USA. 

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During the flight, one of the ammunition bay covers opened - believed to be when Sam was travelling at high speed. It is likely the doors opened and closed quickly, causing flutter and the wing to be shed. Consequently, Sam crashed in a field in Old Sarum, leading to his death in a copse off Portway.

Tony has been digging on the site and recovering parts for the last ten years (Image: Newsquest) The field he landed in has been used by Tony and others in recent years as an archaeology pit. It took Tony 18 years to find the site and he obtained a license to recover parts over 10 years. He believes just 10 per cent of what was destroyed has been recovered so far.

Wiltshire Council has deemed the site 'low value' in the 2024 local plan.

The field Mckenna crashed in, off Portway (Image: Google Maps) Tony has recently seen trenches being dug on site, and he fears a housing development could be built there - as done on surrounding fields. If that is the case, Tony wants to ensure Mckenna is recognised by means of a road name or plaque. 

If you're interested in supporting the history of this test pilot, contact Tony at rocketeer1940@aol.com.