LowNSlow

I'm away from home but caught a brief newsflash on BBC that the Fairey Firefly had crashed at the Flying Legends show at Duxford.

Condolences to the relatives of the 2 killed.

The times I've seen the Firefly perform it was an excellent display which demonstrated that you don't have to wring everything out of the aeroplane to put on a good show. Has there been any inkling of what may have gone so horribly wrong?

Synthetic

Tragic loss of men and machine. My deepest sympathies to all concerned.

Inverted81

Again my deepest sympathies. Drove past Duxford this morning with the sun rising. very moving.

heres the BBC's link Click Here

c

LowNSlow

Thanks for the link chrisf . A tragedy indeed.

Hairyplane

I saw the Firefly accident in total on the local TV news.

I have a view on whether this is ethically correct - we all have lots of friends and family around - I would hate it for any of mine to see me spear in on TV.

At least the national news didn't show the impact.

Too awful for words.....

RIP

HP

Mrs_DamienB

Very well put Hairyplane. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved.

I saw the incident from a great distance on Saturday and it was very upsetting. This morning, I caught the whole filmed sequence on breakfast telly and it was truly awful. It made me feel sick to my stomach.

Tiger_mate

"I would hate it for any of mine to see me spear in on TV. "

Understandable comment, but military ethos and traditions mean that most will watch, make judgement, discuss at the bar, often comment "There by the grace of god...." and those that knew the crew will ensure that they have the mother of all Mess bills this month.

Have no fear this is indeed a tragedy, but military aviators do not usually put their heads in the sand in grief, to steal a line from Top Gun, they evaluate and learn. They have done since Wilbur first attempted flight and they will do until computers completely take over the skies.

I myself experienced a sick feeling not present since the Mosquito crashed at Barton. There will be those who shout about Air Displays in general, and vintage aircraft in particular. The P38 and L39 accidents at Duxford have already come out of the closet. The warbird community could be in for a rough time in coming months.

RIP and sincere condolances to family and friends.

DamienB

If you wish to complain about Sky etc.'s airing of the footage before next of kin were even informed, the Broadcasting Standards Commission accept online complaints on their web site, here:

http://www.bsc.org.uk