The Crash of Vulcan XM610: Find Out What Happened in Wingate, County Durham

I was a navigator on the crew that took 610 around the world in 1967. It was always my favourite aircraft for that reason, we were very sorry to hear it had crashed.

Well this is a surprise. As a 6 year old boy in 1971 living in Peterlee, I watched this Vulcan fly over the field I was playing football in out the back of our house! Flames pouring out the back. Dad grabbed me and we drove to Station Town where the crash site was already taped off. Dad spoke to a Policemen and for years we had 2 little pieces of metal form the plan in a shoebox. Thanks for the video. It brought back the memories of a 6 year old so vividly.

I was 11 year old at Downhill primary school when I seen this pass overhead, i remember the teachers took us in early from 'playtime'. Hard too think how vivid it still is in my mind being 51 year ago.

I was security for this Aircraft (and a few others) the night before the flight. There was a similar engine failure on another Vulcan around the same time. It took off from Waddington and my colleague said to me as we watched, that they seemed to be firing flares out of it as it lifted off. The pilot did a quick circuit and landed attended by numerous fire engines and other vehicles. I believe it was the same problem. The Aircrews and servicing Crews on these aircraft were all dedicated guys, and carried a big responsibility.

Spitfire, Lancaster, B-52, Concorde, Chinook, A-10, Vulcan.. Some aircraft just hit different when they fly over.. that Vulcan howl is as iconic a sound as any in the history of Aviation.. I feel so privileged that I got to hear it in person on more than one occasion ❤🙏🏻🍻🇬🇧

I’m from Easington and was in the school yard in Horden when this passed burning overhead. I was only five but remember it clearly. I remember that we all looked up, unable to process what we were seeing. Thanks for explaining everything so clearly.

I remember seeing this incident unfold as the Vulcan passed over the west of Houghton le Spring. A group of us were attracted by the loud noise, at first thinking the pilot was using his after burners but soon realised the plane was in trouble. As it travelled further south we saw the first parachute and then a second as the plane turned eastwards. We then saw a flash of flame as it suddenly it went into a spiral dive and turned back inland. At this point we lost sight but heard on a radio where it had come down.

A good story and nicely narrated. Thanks for not putting annoying and unnecessary music all over it.

Yet another fascinating history lesson I knew nothing about, well researched and brilliantly told, many thanks. I saw several in my youth take off with that thunderous roar from their engines, yet appear to just hang in the sky like paper darts when turning. Greatest respect to all RAF crews who flew them, especially those who cratered the airport runway kicking off recapturing the Falklands. Now that's a story worth recounting.

I was stationed at RAF Waddington from mid 1970 to 1976 and was an LAC A Mech (P} when this disaster occurred. Thank you for telling the story, it is factual and well delivered. I remember a whole bunch of guys being shipped up to Wingate to guard the aircraft at the time. We were later all briefed on the accident. I also remember the very sad 1975 crash as I personally knew one of the Crew Chief's.as part of that crew that perished. 'Blue Skies'

I miss seeing XH558 when it used to take off from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire...It was a sad day when it was retired!

This crew exhibited outstanding airmanship and great courage.

I recall my father once described that he saw the plane come down (he thought initially onto the school) and went to help. On his way and crossing an open field he looked up and saw a paper object fluttering towards him which landed perfectly in his hands. He saw that it was a map. Almost immediately a 'military dressed man' came across the field and confiscated the map claiming it was MOD property or such, and walked off again........

08/01/2023: Amazing story. The skill & bravery during a crisis of those airmen is simply outstanding. Well Done!

I was christened at RAF Finningley around this time, this base operated Vulcans too. I remember going to air shows and seeing more than one Vulcan in the sky and my god was it glorious.

Thanks for telling this story. I’d never heard it.

Growing up in Vancouver, B.C., Canada a visit to the Abbottsford International Airshow was an annual tradition. The Vulcan was a perennial performer in the '70's and always the most impressive part of the show.

A sight I'll never forget. Early 60s. at an air show at Laverton Victoria Australia. A Vulcan came in low, pointed its nose up and with a tremendous roar, went straight up. So impressive to me, a young air cadet.

I love Vulcans and this was a story I'd never heard. Congrats on the genuine human commentary complete with genuine Geordie accent. I'm fed up with text-to-speech converters.

My father in law was head teacher at Wingate School (Doughie Haigh) when it crashed. He told me the story years ago. He is 90 now and I’m sure would love to see this. Many thanks!