6th August 1970
Pilot killed in private plane crash
Pilot Kenneth Desmond was killed when the Beagle 206 Series 2 he was flying from Jersey to Guernsey lost power in both engines, stalled, span and crashed into an outbuilding shortly after take-off. When the engines were examined by investigators picking through the wreckage, they could find no reason for the malfunction and loss of power.
The officer in control of the aerodrome had been watching the aircraft through binoculars as the first of its propellers put out a couple of puffs of smoke and stopped turning. The officer gave Desmond clearance to return to the runway and put down but, as the pilot turned, his other engine stopped and he radioed “I’ve got the other engine going, I’m going down”.
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Other events that occured in August
Bailiff Philippe de Carteret II dies
- Philippe de Carteret II was the third Seigneur of Sark and from 1627 until his death was also Bailiff of Jersey.
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Jersey holds elections during the Occupation
- Whatever the outcome of the elections of 1940, ultimate authority would still remain with the occupying forces.
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Jersey’s military government is dissolved
- The Channel Islands’ political recovery from the Occupation of the Second World War was swift, even if the physical scars remain.
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Parliament commends Jersey’s wartime conduct
- The British home secretary declared that the Channel Islands should be proud of themselves following the Occupation.
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