Hurricane crash at Shoreham airshow
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: N Wales
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hurricane Crash
As a journalist and pilot I object to the comments in this thread. Not every journalist has a tiny mind neither hunts around to miss report events such as the tragic loss of a great display pilot today. Yes the story is of public interest and some members sections of the media may be guillty of not having the knowlege of aviation we do.
The only thing that we should do is remember the pilot and the great loss to his loved ones. Let the reasons why wait until later.
The only thing that we should do is remember the pilot and the great loss to his loved ones. Let the reasons why wait until later.
Sitting here taking in this dreadful news.
Was planning to go tomorrow, and I still am, as I'm sure it's what the organisers, participating aircrew and the pilot who has sadly passed away today would have wanted.
Was planning to go tomorrow, and I still am, as I'm sure it's what the organisers, participating aircrew and the pilot who has sadly passed away today would have wanted.
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: England
Posts: 1,389
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Very sad.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/6996734.stm
"Two Spitfires carried out a flypast in the "man missing in action" formation shortly after the crash, he said. "
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/6996734.stm
"Two Spitfires carried out a flypast in the "man missing in action" formation shortly after the crash, he said. "
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Closer than you think
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Let’s hope the idiots in the media that salivate over these events show some respect.
Like the "respect" you're showing? Good grief.
I'm one of those "idiots" in the media and not a single person I work with would even think of "salivating" (what a revolting word) over this sort of thing.
Last edited by TwoOneFour; 15th Sep 2007 at 19:25.
Gnome de PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Age: 60
Posts: 12,649
Received 309 Likes
on
171 Posts
A tragedy at any time, but particularly today of all days.
I was fortunately looking at the Cat at the time, so was spared the full shock. The silence while the commentator explained the situation was remarkable.
My condolences to family and friends he leaves behind, and my thanks for past pleasures shared through his displays of these historic and beautiful aeroplanes.
I was fortunately looking at the Cat at the time, so was spared the full shock. The silence while the commentator explained the situation was remarkable.
My condolences to family and friends he leaves behind, and my thanks for past pleasures shared through his displays of these historic and beautiful aeroplanes.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: worthing
Age: 76
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi all, no I'm not a PP, just a lowly ex RAF Tech. Over many years, like many of you, I have stood watching and hearing the sights and sounds that chill us of that age, Yesterday I chatted at Shoreham to a 'private' Hurri pilot who may have been been the person involved, discussing the merits or otherwise of Spits & Hurris. 4 weeks ago also to Al Pinner flying the BBMF Hurri @ Airbourne. It is immensely sad when a man is lost providing entertainment to us, but in yesterday's converation, for a flyer 'there's nothing like it'. God bless the pilot (and his family) - a man who has given so many great pleasure - the " man missing in action" Spit formation has to be the choker of the day, but the close "family" that they are will surely provide some solace RIP
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: southeast england
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was there today as well. I didn't see the accident itself, but to add to what those above have written, the almost immediate missing man flypasts by the Spits was very moving, and very fitting. How poignant that this was a BoB display.
RIP the pilot who loved flying for us, and sincerest condolences to his family and friends. A sad day for all.
RIP the pilot who loved flying for us, and sincerest condolences to his family and friends. A sad day for all.
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PortlandASR
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was there today too. Very saddened by events. I couldn't believe what I was seeing at first.
I recall that the two hurricanes were flying away from the airfield to the NE. The lead did a victory roll then the other one, behind and to his left, began a roll in the opposite direction and descended nose down.
As it disappeared behind the trees in the distance I hoped he could recover, but in the back of my mind I realised the chances were slim. Everyone around was shocked and saddened.
My sincere condolences to those who know him. I'm sure he would want flying to go on, after all it was clearly his life's passion.
I recall that the two hurricanes were flying away from the airfield to the NE. The lead did a victory roll then the other one, behind and to his left, began a roll in the opposite direction and descended nose down.
As it disappeared behind the trees in the distance I hoped he could recover, but in the back of my mind I realised the chances were slim. Everyone around was shocked and saddened.
My sincere condolences to those who know him. I'm sure he would want flying to go on, after all it was clearly his life's passion.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Hove
Age: 72
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Guy's,
I was working at the show as one of the Police controllers.
A sad day for all concerned. It may be little comfort in the circs but I can tell you that both Police and Fire units were on scene very quickly but there was nothing that they could do.
All of us in the control room were grateful that the aircraft went into a dip in the downs just to the southwest of Lancing college. Had it only been 50 ft in any direction I believe we would have had more casualties.
ExSimGuy, I may be mistaken but I believe most of the area in question belongs to farmers and/or the college and that most people there were not freeloading. Enough said.
clicker
ps Forgot to add, at the debrief it was confirmed that tomorrows show will go ahead as planned.
I was working at the show as one of the Police controllers.
A sad day for all concerned. It may be little comfort in the circs but I can tell you that both Police and Fire units were on scene very quickly but there was nothing that they could do.
All of us in the control room were grateful that the aircraft went into a dip in the downs just to the southwest of Lancing college. Had it only been 50 ft in any direction I believe we would have had more casualties.
ExSimGuy, I may be mistaken but I believe most of the area in question belongs to farmers and/or the college and that most people there were not freeloading. Enough said.
clicker
ps Forgot to add, at the debrief it was confirmed that tomorrows show will go ahead as planned.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: uk
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What started off as such an amazing spectacle with the Mesrs attacking the airfield & Hurris & Spits taking off at the sound of the air-raid siren. next minute... From what I saw, it looked like he was in a turning dive, pulling up with the other Hurricane. You're right, there was a delay of more than 10 secs before a plume of smoke.
Most people stopped filming & taking pics but there were those in the crowd filming the aftermath. Why??? No doubt something will appear on youtube b4 the night is out. Shame on them.
I hope he's up there still flying.
Most people stopped filming & taking pics but there were those in the crowd filming the aftermath. Why??? No doubt something will appear on youtube b4 the night is out. Shame on them.
I hope he's up there still flying.
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London, England
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was up at Cranfield on Wednesday to discuss a routing with the ATC guys for a memorial flypast next week for two WW2 aircrew who were killed on a training flight from the OTU there in 1945.
After the meeting I called in at Duxford for some lunch and saw the Hurricane take off. Don't know if it was the same pilot.
Today we flew the planned route as a 4-ship flypast rehearsal, including a 'missing man' break over the crash site.
Heard about Shoreham, when we got back to North Weald. Brings the whole thing into very sharp focus.
RD
After the meeting I called in at Duxford for some lunch and saw the Hurricane take off. Don't know if it was the same pilot.
Today we flew the planned route as a 4-ship flypast rehearsal, including a 'missing man' break over the crash site.
Heard about Shoreham, when we got back to North Weald. Brings the whole thing into very sharp focus.
RD
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 33,072
Received 2,940 Likes
on
1,252 Posts
Most people stopped filming & taking pics but there were those in the crowd filming the aftermath. Why??? No doubt something will appear on youtube b4 the night is out. Shame on them.
The show would I believe continue, not just to try and reduce the effects of seeing such a tragedy unfold in front of your eyes, but also to allow all the emergency services that need to get in there and possible out again without the chaos that would ensue on the roads as 20,000 people attempt to depart the show.
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends involved, the only thought i can add to that is, at least he died doing something he enjoyed and loved, not lying in a bed riddled with cancer as some do.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Hove
Age: 72
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nutloose,
They did do a short "lockdown" to allow the emergency services to do some road closures without delay but also to allow a tannoy to go out asking for the videos etc to be handed over for the AAIB. Once the local fire brigade had taken over the scene and most of the airfield fire services returned to the airfield the lockdown was cancelled and the flying display restarted.
Once the scene was condoned off most of the roads were reopened bar a couple close the the site.
Due to the number to aircraft airbourne at the time I don't think many people saw the actual crash as they were watching a/c closest to them
They did do a short "lockdown" to allow the emergency services to do some road closures without delay but also to allow a tannoy to go out asking for the videos etc to be handed over for the AAIB. Once the local fire brigade had taken over the scene and most of the airfield fire services returned to the airfield the lockdown was cancelled and the flying display restarted.
Once the scene was condoned off most of the roads were reopened bar a couple close the the site.
Due to the number to aircraft airbourne at the time I don't think many people saw the actual crash as they were watching a/c closest to them
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Escrick York england
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
my thoughts go to the pilot and his family he was a real gent ive never heard anyone ever say a bad word about him its seems strange i will never see him again RIP MATE See you up there
steve
steve
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Greater Manchester, UK
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The media really does get on my nerves at times. They were just interviewing someone who was at the airshow, he said 'They were reenacting an excellent dogfight when he suddenly turned and nose dived into the ground. When your flying a 70year old aircraft thats obviously going to happen'... Why is it 'obviously going to happen'!?!?!?!? Some people really irritate me.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Belfast
Age: 74
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In answer to TwoOneFour
TwoOneFour, been on the BBC website recently? How dare the media show a photograph of the still burning wreckage of a Hurricane. In situations like this the press disgust me.
Last edited by Silent Witness; 16th Sep 2007 at 00:49.