OK it shouldn't have happened. And I'm very relieved there was no accident.
Having said that, personally I'm delighted it happened!
That a venerable old beast like that with no permit to fly should have hopped into the air accidentally just seems to cock a snook at regulations and authority. It's like it's got a heart that just wanted to prove it could still do it, a caged bird showing there's some spirit left or a desire not to be forgotten in the wake of the Vulcan's return to the skies. Few kids these days have ever heard of a Victor. Although it will never fly again the hop has raised interest and awareness of a great part of British aviation heritage. May the photos of its little escape from the surly bonds of earth continue to appear everywhere and I hope it attracts a few more interested visitors and donations to Bruntingthorpe.
Incidentally does anyone know when it last flew officially?
Ah well, back to my overregulated life on the Boeing. Mustn't forget to wear the tabard for the walkround to keep Health and Safety happy.