View Full Version : English Electric Lightning legends
skwinty
21st Aug 2011, 11:35
I recall reading in a Shell aviation magazine many years ago about an engineer doing engine tests at the runway threshold.
He was not a jet pilot and apparently the throttle got stuck at full power. He was not strapped in and the cockpit was open.
Apparently he took off and was talked into the circuit and landing.
Anyone else heard of this story and was it true or just urban legend.
Wish I could find the magazine because I recall that it mentioned his name and where it happened.
True or false? Either way it was a cool story.:cool:
spekesoftly
21st Aug 2011, 11:48
This link should cover it.
http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-general-aviation-questions/234781-lightning-engineer-flight.html#post2719405
skwinty
21st Aug 2011, 11:53
Thanks for the link.
I thought that Shell wouldn't publish guff, but my memory was fuzzy about the incident.
Now thats how I define airmanship.:D
D120A
21st Aug 2011, 12:47
And the man himself:
Lightning XM135 inadvertant flight by W/Cdr "Taffy" Holden - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=5iKFYaXDivs)
XM135 can still be seen at Duxford.
skwinty
21st Aug 2011, 12:54
I am always inspired by the spirit of humankind.
What a cool calm and collected man.
Mr Holden serves as a fantastic role model.:ok:
Noyade
22nd Aug 2011, 08:59
What a cool calm and collected man.Like this fellow! :)
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/4336/img041ve.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/849/img041ve.jpg/)
But that was the standard technique for tracking down rattles in the fin, wasn't it?
Lightning Mate
22nd Aug 2011, 13:03
Like this fellow!
That was a girl if I'm not mistaken.
camlobe
22nd Aug 2011, 13:17
Not this picture.
The WAAF involved was Margret Horton, and the aircraft was Spitfire Mk V AB910, presently with the BBMF.
camlobe
P.S. White overalls? Must be a branch of post-production interceptor/AG trials and development unit. Failing that, ensuring the fin flash paint will air-dry.
skwinty
22nd Aug 2011, 13:57
Who ever it was certainly got the wind up.:eek:
I wonder how that happened?
Emergency evacuation from enemy territory for someone?
TEEEJ
22nd Aug 2011, 18:27
skwinty wrote,
I wonder how that happened?
Although the image isn't of Margaret Horton see details of her incident.
....a WAAF ground-crew fitter, had been sitting on the tail whilst the aircraft taxied out to the take-off point (as was standard practice) without the pilot, Flt Lt Neil Cox DFC*, realising she was there. The pilot took off with Margaret still on the tail.
Welcome to the BBMF - Spitfire AB910 (Mk Vb) (http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/theaircraft/spitfireab910.cfm)
TJ
Fishtailed
23rd Aug 2011, 22:27
Like this fellow!
Then there was Kenneth Williams;)
D120A
23rd Aug 2011, 23:01
As in:
KW: "Come back, where are you?"
A A St J H: "I'M OUT HERE SITTING ON THE TAIL!"
KW: "I'll try this lever...." - and a few moments later, after a second bang, having joined him:
KW: "Isn't life funny? This morning the stars said this would be my lucky day."
A A St J H: "If we keep going up at this rate, you'll be able to tell 'em they're wrong!"
My first lesson in stability and control! Seriously, I wonder what the stick force/static margin was like in that situation.