'The Fallen' - Orientation is a cruel mistress - 29/01/08

Having waited weeks for the wind to drop from constant gales I decided 8mph would be acceptable for taking my brand new Spitfire to the skies. I was a little nervous having only flown my Super Cub before but really keen to move on.

Take off went well and even the first few turns were fine apart from the fact that she was getting further and further away from me. However, before I knew it I couldn't tell which direction she was going or which way up she was.

The last thing I saw was a knife edge dive straight into the trees. I knew it wouldn't look good!

Martin White, Trainee Spitfire Pilot

Orientation is a cruel mistress!