In memory of

Henry James "Harry" Lenard

The upturned Pirat glider at Kenley airfield after Lenard's fatal crash.

Croydon Advertiser 10/7/1987

A Pirat glider at Kenley with Surrey Hills Gliding Club circa 1981.

Alistair White

A Pirat glider similar to the one which crashed at Kenley.

At 5.28pm, on 13th May, 1987, Henry James “Harry” Lenard, an elderly and inexperienced pilot, was attempting an autotow launch in a Pirat glider.

The car had reached a speed of 45mph when the glider took off and began to climb. At about 50 feet the glider rolled to the left, continuing until it became inverted, before diving into the ground vertically.

The inquest into Harry Lenard’s death, held at Reigate Coroner’s Court on 3rd July, recorded a verdict of death by misadventure after hearing that Lenard’s age and slow reactions had probably led to his death when the glider got out of control. Donald Puttock, one of his former instructors, said that the Pirat glider wasn’t suitable for Lenard’s level of ability, which he described as “borderline solo.”

Following the crash, residents in Old Lodge Lane organised a petition calling for tighter safety regulations for gliding at the airfield.

Henry James Lenard was born in Purley in July, 1915, the son of William James Lenard and Sarah Elizabeth Mary Lenard (nee Sawyers). He married Dorothy May Farrant in 1940 and the couple had two children, Patricia and Roger. At the time of his death, he was a semi-retired engineer and had been gliding since 1981.

Rest in peace Harry.

Rank

Civilian

Date of death

13/5/1987

Age at death

Cause of death

Post-war, Killed in a Flying Accident

Notes

Sources: Many thanks to Alistair White. Correspondence in the City Commons archive. Sailplane and Gliding Magazine August/September and October/November 1987. Caterham Mirror - 10/7/1987 and 28/7/1987. Croydon Advertiser - 10/7/1987.