Canberra B2 WD952 was used as a testbed for the Olympus engines (subsequently used in the Vulcan) and had set the world altitude record of 65,876 ft on 29th August 1955.
In April 1956 the aircraft suffered a port engine failure at 50 ft on take off from Filton, Bristol due to compressor blade failure.
A forced landing wheels up at Cribbs Causway resulted in striking an oak tree which tore off the port wing, undercarriage and elevators, leaving the remainder of the airframe severely damaged. The crew escaped unhurt.