Hercules XV181 after its mishap
I'm almost 100% sure that this is my father's plane.
Navigation Instructor Flt. Lt. "Dolly" Gray - or Charlie - deceased only a few years ago.
I have another picture of the same , where it is parked on the side of Thorney runway, awaiting repair.
My father was the Nav. Instructor on this plane, with 12 Nav. students on board.
A trainee pilot was at the controls when it happened.
The story goes ( according to Dad ) :
They were landing with a strong cross wind, when a hefty gust suddenly hit.
The trainee pilot tried to stabilize the plane at first, but the captain took over as soon as he saw what was coming. By that time, the plane had already "bounced" ; the captain managed to keep it on an even keel, but after the wing had already hit the ground.
Dad says that the crew jumped out while the plane was still rolling down the runway. He also praised the Fire-Rescue crew who were there before the plane had even stopped.
If anyone is interested, I'll have a look for that picture and post it here.
PS:
Thorney was a beautiful R.A.F.-base .
Used to sail Albacores there, and picnic on Pilsey Island.