Mosquito HT-E
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Mosquito HT-E
Sorry people.... more questions!
I can't remember the year that the last airworthy example of a mossie crashed killing both members of the crew of HT-E ? What was the outcome of the crash enquiry?
Has anyone heard any news about other examples being returned to the register so that we can savour the growl of two merlins again?
I heard there might be one at Duxford....... any ideas??
Chris
ps. ( as you've probably guessed i've got the DH bug!
I can't remember the year that the last airworthy example of a mossie crashed killing both members of the crew of HT-E ? What was the outcome of the crash enquiry?
Has anyone heard any news about other examples being returned to the register so that we can savour the growl of two merlins again?
I heard there might be one at Duxford....... any ideas??
Chris
ps. ( as you've probably guessed i've got the DH bug!
Last edited by Inverted81; 17th Jan 2003 at 12:36.
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RR299 (HT-E) crashed at Baton in July 1996. IIRC the problem was a minor fuel problem (carburretor?) which led to one engine losing power at low airspeed during a wingover and thus to a spin.
There are actually two Mossies at Duxford - IWM has one on static display and The Fighter Collection has the IWM example from Lambeth in store fore eventual restoration to fly.
There is also one in the US owned by Kermit Weeks which may fly again eventually, one in Canada under rebuild and possibly one in OZ?
There are actually two Mossies at Duxford - IWM has one on static display and The Fighter Collection has the IWM example from Lambeth in store fore eventual restoration to fly.
There is also one in the US owned by Kermit Weeks which may fly again eventually, one in Canada under rebuild and possibly one in OZ?
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21st July 1996 at Barton. I'd just taken off in the Chippy before the Mossie display and was aerobatting a few miles north so didn't actually see it except on video later.
Although the primary reason was negative 'G'-induced failure of one engine during a 'wing-over', not mentioned in the AAIB report was the 'wing over' technique being employed by the pilot. Some experienced aeros pilots who witnessed the display and crash have told me they think it should have been.
SSD
Although the primary reason was negative 'G'-induced failure of one engine during a 'wing-over', not mentioned in the AAIB report was the 'wing over' technique being employed by the pilot. Some experienced aeros pilots who witnessed the display and crash have told me they think it should have been.
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The Duxford Mosquito which I think Chris is referring to is indeed The Fighter Collection's example. She is TV959, and is in the queue for restoration to airworthiness.
There have been various concerns raised about the feasibility of this, as her main spar was sawn through just outboard of the starboard nacelle to allow her to be mounted against an internal wall of the Imperial War Museum at Lambeth. This has prompted some discussion in the past over whether or not the wing would have to be re-sparred, but as I understand it, the cut has been inspected during the least few years and estimates are that it can feasibly be repaired to airworthy standard without the need for a full re-sparring.
TFC obviously have a number of projects on the go at the moment (Beaufighter, P51C, Sea Fury, Gladiator, etc), but I've heard the tentative suggestion bandied around that she could potentially be flying again within 2-3 years of the start of a restoration to fly.
Visitors to The Fighter Collection hangar can see the wing standing on it's leading edge in the north-east corner of the hangar, and I understand the rest of the aeroplane is held in storage elsewhere on the airfield, which suggests that we're unlikely to see work on TV959 start in the near future. Hope this helps.
There have been various concerns raised about the feasibility of this, as her main spar was sawn through just outboard of the starboard nacelle to allow her to be mounted against an internal wall of the Imperial War Museum at Lambeth. This has prompted some discussion in the past over whether or not the wing would have to be re-sparred, but as I understand it, the cut has been inspected during the least few years and estimates are that it can feasibly be repaired to airworthy standard without the need for a full re-sparring.
TFC obviously have a number of projects on the go at the moment (Beaufighter, P51C, Sea Fury, Gladiator, etc), but I've heard the tentative suggestion bandied around that she could potentially be flying again within 2-3 years of the start of a restoration to fly.
Visitors to The Fighter Collection hangar can see the wing standing on it's leading edge in the north-east corner of the hangar, and I understand the rest of the aeroplane is held in storage elsewhere on the airfield, which suggests that we're unlikely to see work on TV959 start in the near future. Hope this helps.
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The Canadian collection in Ottawa had, at least last time I was there, a mossie in bomber configuration, don't know the mark mod. At the time I recallI was told that all the aircraft possible were kept in flying condition and one or twice a year were at least taxied about the ramps if not flown. this was born out by the cans under the engine catchingthe oil as it leaked out. Anyone know whether this example is airworthy and possibly flown?
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AAIB report available at http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/bulletin/jun97/gaskh.htm
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I have heard Kermit's Mossie is grounded due to problems with the glue/wood.
I think it was in the EAA Museum when I was there in 2001. I know, I know, I should be able to remember whether it was or not, but I saw so many wondeful aeroplanes that week... did see it flying at Biggin Hill in 1987? flying with RR299 (and Bleinheim #1?)
I think it was in the EAA Museum when I was there in 2001. I know, I know, I should be able to remember whether it was or not, but I saw so many wondeful aeroplanes that week... did see it flying at Biggin Hill in 1987? flying with RR299 (and Bleinheim #1?)
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Jimgriff - I'm not too sure about that I'm afraid - Kermit's Mosquito was resident in the EAA Museum at Oshkosh when I saw it there in 93, and there is some confusion as to its current status; some reports state that it's still there, while others suggest it may be with Kermit in Florida, where the heat and humidity is said to have badly delaminated the wings. Either way, she's no longer airworthy.
I'm not a betting man, but if I was, my money would be on Ed Zaleski's TT35 being the next Mosquito to fly, currently undergoing restoration in Canada. Unfortunately I don't know any other details offhand.
I'm not a betting man, but if I was, my money would be on Ed Zaleski's TT35 being the next Mosquito to fly, currently undergoing restoration in Canada. Unfortunately I don't know any other details offhand.
Last edited by BeauMan; 17th Jan 2003 at 17:02.
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Ah yes, Ed Zaleski... I think his project was for sale at one time wan't it, as some enthusisasts here were hoping BAe might take the hint and buy it.
And before anyone takes me to task, I do know how to spell Blenheim, just a quick lunch time beer having its fun with me fingers
And before anyone takes me to task, I do know how to spell Blenheim, just a quick lunch time beer having its fun with me fingers
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Two Mosquitoes and a Blenheim. Must have been a wonderful sight... 
Sorry about a little bit of misinformation about the 'Zlesky' Mosquito; she is a B35, serial VR796, civil reg CF-HML, and now owned by Bob Jens. Sorry for any confusion...
Sorry about a little bit of misinformation about the 'Zlesky' Mosquito; she is a B35, serial VR796, civil reg CF-HML, and now owned by Bob Jens. Sorry for any confusion...
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Strange that the Mosquito retains such affection after all these years, esp with women in my experience, something it shares with the Vulcan.
I'd have thought the Mossy would be one of the easier aircraft to get back into flying shape - the original design/manufacturing principles still apply. After all, wood is still made and I'm sure there are still the skills around to work it. The metal content was easily fabricated aiui.
IMO the sweetest sound ever was twin Merlins, somehow even sweeter than 1 or 4. It must fly again.
I could be talking out of my hat, or I could be drunk. I know I am at least one of them.. the joys of a Friday lunchtime finish
I'd have thought the Mossy would be one of the easier aircraft to get back into flying shape - the original design/manufacturing principles still apply. After all, wood is still made and I'm sure there are still the skills around to work it. The metal content was easily fabricated aiui.
IMO the sweetest sound ever was twin Merlins, somehow even sweeter than 1 or 4. It must fly again.
I could be talking out of my hat, or I could be drunk. I know I am at least one of them.. the joys of a Friday lunchtime finish
CF-HML was one of five Mosquitos - 'HMK to HMO - acquired in Britain in November 1954 by Spartan Air Services of Ottawa. They were used for high altitude photographic survey, mainly in the Arctic. A month later they purchased five more - 'HMP to 'HMT. The price was $7500.00 CA per batch of five.
That same company also operated a handful of P-38's and, briefly, a DH103 Sea Hornet in the same role.
I don't know if the Mosquito in the museum in Ottawa is airworthy. I'm guessing it isn't, but Davaar would know for sure, as he's on the board of that institution.
That same company also operated a handful of P-38's and, briefly, a DH103 Sea Hornet in the same role.
I don't know if the Mosquito in the museum in Ottawa is airworthy. I'm guessing it isn't, but Davaar would know for sure, as he's on the board of that institution.
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The Sparton aircraft came from RAF Little Rissington.
There were 6 of them ferried to Burnaston and we converted them for photo survey for Sparton.
After the work they were test flown at Burnaston by if my memory serves me by David Ogolviy ( Elstree CFI)
These test flights were something to behold ahhhhhhhh
Of the 6, 5 were delivered to Spartan and the last one sat at Burnaston in the storage hangar for a long time.
We used to take it out and run it from time to time. The Mossie had a priming pump outide the right nacelle just in front of the landing gear. As an aprentii i would get the job of priming the engine for start. The problem was that when you stood and primed the exhaust blew straight at you
Not bad if it was just red hot exhaust gas) but as the engine was only run ever few months the lumps of carbon that came out were lethal
After a long period we got the aircraft out and readied for a potential customer. All polished and ready for inspection the purchaser's man arrived. A "lady" called Roberta Cowell, better know as a BoB fighter pilot Robert Cowell.
The idea was that he was going to break some long range record by flying at flight level tremendous, ( they were PR's with 2 stage 2 speed SC), pick up the jet stream and go for ever !
Never happened and we eventually broke the aircraft up and burnt the fuselage. That was when I learned about the burn characteristics of Magnesium
There were 6 of them ferried to Burnaston and we converted them for photo survey for Sparton.
After the work they were test flown at Burnaston by if my memory serves me by David Ogolviy ( Elstree CFI)
These test flights were something to behold ahhhhhhhh
Of the 6, 5 were delivered to Spartan and the last one sat at Burnaston in the storage hangar for a long time.
We used to take it out and run it from time to time. The Mossie had a priming pump outide the right nacelle just in front of the landing gear. As an aprentii i would get the job of priming the engine for start. The problem was that when you stood and primed the exhaust blew straight at you
Not bad if it was just red hot exhaust gas) but as the engine was only run ever few months the lumps of carbon that came out were lethal After a long period we got the aircraft out and readied for a potential customer. All polished and ready for inspection the purchaser's man arrived. A "lady" called Roberta Cowell, better know as a BoB fighter pilot Robert Cowell.
The idea was that he was going to break some long range record by flying at flight level tremendous, ( they were PR's with 2 stage 2 speed SC), pick up the jet stream and go for ever !
Never happened and we eventually broke the aircraft up and burnt the fuselage. That was when I learned about the burn characteristics of Magnesium
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I recall seeing three Mosquitos at Thruxton in 1959, rather unceremoniously dumped. They were NS639, NS753 and RG173 and had civil reggies G-AOCI, K and L roughly painted on. In fact 'OCK was painted 'OOK.
Wonder who intended what with them?
Then there's the one suspended from the roof of the museum in Johannesburg.
And to make your mouths really water, at least seven were operational at Exeter in August '59, RR299, RS709, 712, 718, TA719, TH998 and TV959.
.............................
Wonder who intended what with them?
Then there's the one suspended from the roof of the museum in Johannesburg.
And to make your mouths really water, at least seven were operational at Exeter in August '59, RR299, RS709, 712, 718, TA719, TH998 and TV959.
.............................
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The three at Thruxton are listed as owned by R A Short and "not converted and burnt at Thruxton October 1960. There were six altogether 'OCI to 'OCN - the others went to the Israeli Air Force in 1956.
RR299 crashed at Barton
RS709 is at the USAF Museum
RS712 is Kermit Weeks' aircraft
RS718, no info might htis have been RS715 which was with 3 CAACU at Exeter - parts of this are now with Tony Agar
TA719 is at Duxford with the IWM (via Skyfame)
TH998 is with the NASM at Washington
TV959 is with The Fighter Collection at Dxuford
Quite right, we do need another Mossie flying - I do hope TFC can bring theirs on fairly quickly, but as Beauman says, the other aircraft in the restoration queue need to be finished first!
Still not sure whether the two Mossies did fly with the Blenheim, but it was certainly Biggin '87 and all three aircraft would have been there. The Blenheim crashed a week or two later I think...
RR299 crashed at Barton
RS709 is at the USAF Museum
RS712 is Kermit Weeks' aircraft
RS718, no info might htis have been RS715 which was with 3 CAACU at Exeter - parts of this are now with Tony Agar
TA719 is at Duxford with the IWM (via Skyfame)
TH998 is with the NASM at Washington
TV959 is with The Fighter Collection at Dxuford
Quite right, we do need another Mossie flying - I do hope TFC can bring theirs on fairly quickly, but as Beauman says, the other aircraft in the restoration queue need to be finished first!
Still not sure whether the two Mossies did fly with the Blenheim, but it was certainly Biggin '87 and all three aircraft would have been there. The Blenheim crashed a week or two later I think...
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There's more, There's more
Mosquito's at the deHavilland Museum Salisbury Hall Herts
W4050 D.H.98 Mosquito I prototype
TA122/UP-G D.H.98 Mosquito FB.VI
TA634/8K-K D.H.98 Mosquito TT.35
TJ118 D.H.98 Mosquito TT.35 nose
Also I have a hazy recollection of a photo in Flypast a few months after the tragic loss of RR299 (which I witnessed) of a partially restored Mossie "somewhere in East Anglia" , or was it Scotland.?
Anybody remember this
Sir George Cayley
The air is a navigable ocean that laps at everyones door
W4050 D.H.98 Mosquito I prototype
TA122/UP-G D.H.98 Mosquito FB.VI
TA634/8K-K D.H.98 Mosquito TT.35
TJ118 D.H.98 Mosquito TT.35 nose
Also I have a hazy recollection of a photo in Flypast a few months after the tragic loss of RR299 (which I witnessed) of a partially restored Mossie "somewhere in East Anglia" , or was it Scotland.?
Anybody remember this
Sir George Cayley
The air is a navigable ocean that laps at everyones door
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Hmmm, I wonder if that was after all RS715 vs 718. I will admit I did not have a good pair of binoculars in those days, possibly a little pink plastic telescope from the toyshop. It was coded '49' anyway, so that may help identify it positively. Not bad, to get corrections to logs after 44 years!
The one at the military museum in Jo'burg is LR480, a PR IX, of 60 Sqn SAAF, marked 'Lovely Lady'. At least, it was in April '92.
The one at the military museum in Jo'burg is LR480, a PR IX, of 60 Sqn SAAF, marked 'Lovely Lady'. At least, it was in April '92.
Is there still most of a Mossie at YAM Elvington?
I was once driving South on the M6 when there was a sudden blast of sound - two Merlins at low level! It was HT-E on the way somewhere on a nice late Summer day. Hadn't heard that sound since the CAACU at Exeter stopped flying the Mosquito 30 years or so earlier....
I was once driving South on the M6 when there was a sudden blast of sound - two Merlins at low level! It was HT-E on the way somewhere on a nice late Summer day. Hadn't heard that sound since the CAACU at Exeter stopped flying the Mosquito 30 years or so earlier....
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Mozzie fuz from NZ
Article in 'Aeroplane', Jan. 2002 reported start to a rebuild of prototype W4050.
The RR Heritage Trust, Derby, took the engines.
Marshalls Aerospace of Cambridge were assigned the control surfaces.
Props to Deltair Airmotive at Fareham, Hamps.
Any further updates been heard?
Unable to find another article, however memory serves that the Canadian B.35 undergoing restoration has received ( or will soon) a new fuselage, from a guy south of Auckland, New Zealand, who has built his own fuz jig.
.. to be cont/
The RR Heritage Trust, Derby, took the engines.
Marshalls Aerospace of Cambridge were assigned the control surfaces.
Props to Deltair Airmotive at Fareham, Hamps.
Any further updates been heard?
Unable to find another article, however memory serves that the Canadian B.35 undergoing restoration has received ( or will soon) a new fuselage, from a guy south of Auckland, New Zealand, who has built his own fuz jig.
.. to be cont/