Eric Norman Deane
Eric Norman Deane ( -1914). Early aviator
1914. REPORT ON THE FATAL ACCIDENT TO SERGT, ERIC NORMAN DEANE, R.F.C., WHEN FLYING AT THE BROOKLANDS AERODROME, WEYBRIDGE, ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8TH, 1914, AT ABOUT 7.30 A.M. [1]
Brief Description of the Accident.—Sergt. Eric Norman Deane was flying a Bristol Biplane (Pusher type), fitted with a 50 hp Gnome engine, at the Brooklands Aerodrome, Weybridge, on Wednesday, April 8th, 1914, at about 7.30 a.m., and was undergoing the test for his Aviator's Certificate. He had completed the two sets of figures of 8 and alightings in a satisfactory manner and was carrying out the altitude test at the time of the accident. At a height of about 1,000 ft., the pilot commenced a spiral descent at a very steep angle. After descending about 600 ft., and when about 400 ft. from the ground, the pilot fell out of the aircraft and was killed. Sergt. Eric Norman Deane was a pupil at the School of the British and Colonial Aeroplane Co, at Brooklands.
Opinion.— The Committee is of opinion that the accident was due primarily to the pilot forcing the aircraft down at too steep an angle, resulting in his falling forward on his control and accentuating the steepness of the descent.