The first of two prototypes (s/n N232) was flown in 1928, but crashed when a tail plane spar failed as a result of flutter. The second prototype (s/n N233), with a 520 hp F.XIIS engine and many other changes, was also lost as a result of violent flutter which fractured the sternpost whereupon the vertical tail surfaces were carried away. Further development of the Pipit was then abandoned."