“On 1 Dec 1970 I was detailed to fly in the back seat of Buccaneer S1 XN 951 as the flying instructor responsible for monitoring a student pilot’s first ever flight in a Buccaneer. There were no flying controls in the back seat and minimal instrumentation, so no opportunity to demonstrate or take over control in the event of an emergency.

On the overshoot from an attempted visual circuit the left engine failed at about 100 ft, leaving the aircraft with no ability to climb away. Ejection was the only option so we both left, leaving the aircraft to crash on the airfield and burst into flames. I will be forever in debt to Martin Baker for providing the means of escape and the rest of my life”.