Accident
During take-off from Sharjah, Oman, an aircraft experienced a crash. The tail of the aircraft struck bushes, causing the starboard elevator to be torn off. The damage was assessed as Category 4 or 5.
Recovery and Aftermath
The damaged aircraft was returned to the United Kingdom aboard an HS Andover XS642. It was subsequently stored at the 70 Aircraft Workshops, REME, at Middle Wallop during 1970 and 1971. Later, it was moved to Hawker Siddeley Aircraft (HAS) at Hawarden, Chester, for a planned rebuild. However, the rebuild was abandoned, and the aircraft was struck off charge on 4 March 1971.
Composite Airframe
Following the decision not to rebuild, the aircraft's parts were used in conjunction with those from XP815, which had crashed on 9 September 1962. The combined components formed a virtually complete composite airframe. This airframe was later marked as XP822, using the data plate of that aircraft.