The photograph which shows an upside-down aeroplane in a field, has been taken directly from a postcard that was issued at the time of the incident.
But what do we know about the event?
The aeroplane is a Sopwith D1 three-seater general purpose biplane. From the number 27 on the tail, we can tell that this example was operated by the RNAS. With a wingspan of 40 feet, and powered by a 7-cylinder Gnome Lambda rotary engine, this type of aeroplane first flew on 7th February 1913. On 16th June 1914 one of these aeroplanes achieved a new British altitude record of 12,900 feet whilst being flown by Sopwith’s chief test pilot Mr Harry Hawker.
This type of aeroplane carried two observers sitting side by side in the front, with the pilot behind. Three celluloid transparent windows were fitted in each side of the fuselage to give the observers a downward view.
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