Eye airstrip
EYE: Private airstrip
Note: This picture was obtained from Google Earth ©. The listing is named 'EYE airstrip' to differentiate it from USAAF EYE in Suffolk. The local map shows the position of the hangar.
Operated by: Derek Crouch (Contractors) Ltd
Location: Near the centre of Eye village. S of the A47 but more exactly, S of Thorby Road, E of Eyebury Road, and just E of St Matthews church.
3nm NE of Peterborough
Period of operation: 1950s to late 1980s only?
NOTES: In the mid 1970s two aircraft were listed as being based here; the Piper PA-23 Aztec 250 G-ASNH and Reims Cessna F.172G G-ATKS, both registered to Derek Crouch (Contractors) Ltd. G-ASNH was registered from the 13th April 1964 until the 6th March 1987. G-ATKS was registered from the 13th January 1966 until the 6th June 1983. Both had been crashed but later repaired, probably by Rogers Aviation at CASTLE MILL, Bedford. in the case of G-ATKS, who registered it from 06.06.83 until 28.09.84. It appears the Aztec was re-exported to the USA, becoming N818MJ, whereas the F172 was exported to the Czech Republic as OK-XKG.
This area has changed beyond all recognition since the 1980s. Back in the mid to late 1950s Derek Crouch (Contractors), who specialised in open cast mining, set up their headquarters here. In 1959 this site received an award for both its modern office design and landscaping. And, of much interest to us of course, a hangar for the company aircraft. The airstrip "being behind". So, presumably either to the east or south.
We have Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for looking into this and providing information. My original listing was minimal to say the least. However, in addition, Graham has also discovered that Derek Crouch (Contractors) had three other aircraft registered, the last two possibly based here at some point, the third almost certainly.
G-AGXS Auster 5/J1 Autocrat 30.04.46 to 12.05.48
G-AHUI Miles M38 Messenger 2A 19.07.46 to 21.01.54
G-AJFC Miles M38 Messenger 2A 04.11.52 to 30.08.60
Filling 'the gap' as it were, between G-AJFC and the Aztec G-ASNH. was the Piper PA-23-160 Apache, G-APFV, (ex EI-ALK), registered from 12.05.60 until 12.07.66.
If anybody can kindly offer advice and information, this will be much appreciated.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
