Fatal at White Waltham?

[Flying Lawyer]

I've been told unconfirmed that a pilot was killed in an aeros accident at White Waltham this afternoon.

Anyone know if this is true?

[Taildragger]

I was heading back to our strip at around 4.30 from Headcorn, and decided to call into White Waltham for fuel. The Ops people asked if the landing at WW was "Imperative" as they had a major incident.
We diverted right away, but looks like there was a major accident of some kind for sure. On TV, (South Today, but I didn't hear the details) talked about "Crashed during Aerobatics"

[Genghis the Engineer]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/4665735.stm

Deepest sympathies to all involved.

G

[Barcli]

My deepest sympathies also to all involved

i do know a few aerobatic guys at WW so would appreciate any more info as have been unable through other sources

[Sleeve Wing]

Please be patient, gentlemen.

A proper announcement will be forthcoming after all the formalities have been observed.

Would like to say, however, how indebted we all are again to the usual rapid response of the airfield-based Fire Crews. These guys deserve our sincerest thanks and deepest sympathy.

A very harrowing day for all the competition pilots and instructors at WW.

Sleeve

[Wide-Body]

There will be many tributes to the friend we lost at Waltham today. A Gentleman and a gentle man, he always had a nice word for all. A highly respected professional aviator and also "one of us" a man with passion for flight.

To echo sleeve wings comment. The groung guys and ops staff were superb. When we fly tommorow it will be reassuring you folks will be there for us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family tonight.

Peace to all

Wide

[Crosswind Limits]

A tough day for everyone at White Waltham. Rest in peace!

[noblues]

Very sad news, I flew from WW on many occasions .....

Was their a competition of some sort running ?

Has the name been released ?

A friend has just emailed me who it was ..... apparently spun in whilst doing aeros in the overhead ...

I knew him both at WW and through work .... my deepest sympathies go out to his family ... a very sad and tragic accident, he was a very professional dedicated pilot ...rest in peace.

[behind_the_second_midland]

BA BALPA forum reporting that the deceased is Captain Mark Walden, BA 747-400.

RIP

[stiknruda]

I learned of Mark's tragedy at Bodmin on Friday afternoon when I landed there for an aero's comp. It reduced me to tears.

An outstanding man. Many glasses were raised to him on Fri evening. Thoughts with B and their family.

Stik

[egld0624]

Hi Stik,

My sincere condolences to his wife, Alan and friends. I heard an accident had taken place but dismissed in my mind that it was Mark.

Last year you suggested that I go to the British Champs up at Sywell to watch the competition. (I was keen to do some aeros training and with hindsight it gave me a great opportunity to meet the guys and gals that love their sport).

I remember meeting Mark on the roof of the club house watching him go through his routine prior to competition. He went out of his way to encourage the sport even after he'd won the gold at the advanced level that day. Mark invited me to sit in his CAP222 - a truly inspiring aircraft versus my limited experience in PA28's and the Zlin242. I completely agree that he was a gentleman and homed in on his focus and modesty throughout.

Aerobatics just lost a true ambassador of the sport.


My condolences again,

EG:sad:

[Gyr]

I flew with Alan last year and Mark joined us for lunch, quiet, calm and with a passion for what he did, he took time to encourage beginners like myself.

Mark, your words will never be forgotten.

All at WW must be devastated. Condolences to Family and Friends.

RIP

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

I was very sorry to hear the news... it may well have been Mark practising close to where I live earlier that day..

I must have spoken to Mark many times when I was a Heathrow controller....

God Bless Mark +

[S2A Pictures]

What a terrbile shame ...

I learnt to fly at WW.

[AlanM]

Terrible news. God Rest.

HD - I no doubt saw the same aircraft as you that lunchtime.

Very sad.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

AlanM - tried to PM you but your mailbox is full. How can I email you please?

[AlanM]

Try Tx again...!! Now on Rx..... over

[Preppy]

Following the tragic death of Mark Walden in a light aircraft accident on Friday 8 July, funeral arrangements are as below:


There will be a service on Monday 25 July at 14.00 at:

St Giles Parish Church
Chalfont St Giles
Buckinghamshire


Followed by a burial at 15:30 at

Stanley Hill Cemetery
Off Stanley Hill
Amersham
Buckinghamshire


And then from 17:00 at

West London Aero Club
White Waltham Airfield
White Waltham
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 3NJ

Uniforms are optional.

Flowers may be sent to

Heritage and Sons
33-35 Hill Avenue
Amersham
Bucks
HP6 5BX

OR Donations may be made to the following charity

Cancer Treatment Research Trust (CTRT)
Registration number 292909

By sending a cheque to:
Professor Gordon Rustin
The Clock Tower
Mount Vernon Hospital
Rickmansworth Road
Northwood
HA6 2RN

[G-KEST]

I shall try my level best to get down for the funeral and subsequent wake at White Waltham on Monday.

Mark was a fine aviator in so many fields and a dedicated aerobatic pilot destined for the highest levels of attainment. A tragedy indeed to have such talent and personality snatched so cruelly from our midst.

May Mark truly rest in peace; though he will have much to discuss with those other aerobatic piots who have passed on over the decades.

Our very deepest sympathy to those bereaved from the Tempest family.

Trapper 69

[Preppy]

The AAIB report on Mark's accident has been published and can be found at: http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/publications/bulletins/april_2006/cap_222__modified___g_gzoz.cfm