Understand
Margaret Horton's Second World War Spitfire survival story remembered at aviation centre
Overview
The North Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is preserving the remarkable story of Margaret Horton, a Second World War ground crew member who survived clinging to the tail of a Spitfire during an accidental in-flight takeoff at RAF Hibaldstow in 1945.
Key points
- During the Second World War in 1945, Margaret Horton was tasked with sitting on the tail of a Spitfire at RAF Hibaldstow to prevent the aircraft from bouncing while taxied.
- The pilot took off without realising she was still on the tail, forcing Horton to cling onto the plane for an entire circuit of the airfield.
- Horton survived the flight after the pilot made a safe landing, though she was reportedly told off for not getting off and for dropping her gloves.
- Her story and other local aviation history are now preserved and exhibited by volunteers at the North Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.