BBMF Lanc Engine Fire
Well done to all and best wishes to the BBMF!
I am not aware if the BBMF Lanc has any engine fire protection? Bearing in mind the overall value of this aircraft, it should be fitted. It would appear that this was a fuel fed fire and that the fire was still burning after landing.
OAP
I am not aware if the BBMF Lanc has any engine fire protection? Bearing in mind the overall value of this aircraft, it should be fitted. It would appear that this was a fuel fed fire and that the fire was still burning after landing.
OAP
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Yesterday, I went over to RAF Scampton with a Spitfire PRU pilot & other Veterans to be wined, dined & generally spoilt by the boys & girls in blue.
We were treated to a formation flying display by the "Reds" & some low, banking passes by the BBMF Lancaster. It then touched down halfway down the runway then opened up power to head back down the A15 towards RAF Coningsby. It sounded & looked fine during the display, although the display had been delayed on four separate occasions.
We were treated to a formation flying display by the "Reds" & some low, banking passes by the BBMF Lancaster. It then touched down halfway down the runway then opened up power to head back down the A15 towards RAF Coningsby. It sounded & looked fine during the display, although the display had been delayed on four separate occasions.
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Beagle,
Yes the content of fire extinguishers are corrosive, however if you look at the picture on the Boston link, see
BBMF Lancaster Bomber catches fire at RAF Coningsby - Boston Standard
I would say that is them steam cleaning / jet washing the engine and airframe down to remove it.
The huge picture above shows paint gone from the rear of the cowls which tends to indicate the possible area of the fire. I can imagine it being out for a while, as the engine bearers are tubular steel and any heat on them could see those done for, and that does not touch On what else has been damaged.
Yes the content of fire extinguishers are corrosive, however if you look at the picture on the Boston link, see
BBMF Lancaster Bomber catches fire at RAF Coningsby - Boston Standard
I would say that is them steam cleaning / jet washing the engine and airframe down to remove it.
The huge picture above shows paint gone from the rear of the cowls which tends to indicate the possible area of the fire. I can imagine it being out for a while, as the engine bearers are tubular steel and any heat on them could see those done for, and that does not touch On what else has been damaged.
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OH SHI# I knew about the engine etc but that undercarriage looks screwed. 
Looks like it was an effect of the angle of the screen the picture was taken from after all.
Hopefully repairs can be effected in good order and she can fly again.
Looks like it was an effect of the angle of the screen the picture was taken from after all.
Hopefully repairs can be effected in good order and she can fly again.
Last edited by glad rag; 9th May 2015 at 11:49. Reason: updated info.,.
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Where?........
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As long as the heat has not affected the mainspar's integrity........
I suspect there will be a great deal of gum sucking amongst the 'duty holder's' staff and anybody else with responsibility for airworthiness.
We could see the old girl out of action for sometime.
Here's an off the cuff proposition. The RAF works with The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage to bring forward 'Just Jane' to flying status!
Thoughts on a postcard, please.
Old Duffer
I suspect there will be a great deal of gum sucking amongst the 'duty holder's' staff and anybody else with responsibility for airworthiness.
We could see the old girl out of action for sometime.
Here's an off the cuff proposition. The RAF works with The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage to bring forward 'Just Jane' to flying status!
Thoughts on a postcard, please.
Old Duffer
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Gents,
I'm the photographer who took the images that are on UKAR and are linked here. I thought I would just clarify exactly at what point the fire occurred. The BBMF had already completed one practise display (I believe their PDA was due today) and this happened late in the second when they had swapped Hurricanes. The smoke was first seen as it carried out a run across from the 07 end (where I was standing) towards 25 and was immediately spotted by the tower, the crew then confirmed they had a engine fire. I think from memory one tight 360 circuit was completed before they then landed on 25 and stopped as soon as possible at that end. Fire wagons were there in seconds. After about 30-40 minutes the aircraft was towed back down to the BBMF end, past the hangar to the wash pan for cleaning. The image that appears in the press was taken after I left but looks like the foam residue being cleaned off whilst on the wash pan. I suppose they think it's the fire itself. I only overheard one comment from the BBMF engineers at the fence and that was just ' it doesn't look good'.
Gary
I'm the photographer who took the images that are on UKAR and are linked here. I thought I would just clarify exactly at what point the fire occurred. The BBMF had already completed one practise display (I believe their PDA was due today) and this happened late in the second when they had swapped Hurricanes. The smoke was first seen as it carried out a run across from the 07 end (where I was standing) towards 25 and was immediately spotted by the tower, the crew then confirmed they had a engine fire. I think from memory one tight 360 circuit was completed before they then landed on 25 and stopped as soon as possible at that end. Fire wagons were there in seconds. After about 30-40 minutes the aircraft was towed back down to the BBMF end, past the hangar to the wash pan for cleaning. The image that appears in the press was taken after I left but looks like the foam residue being cleaned off whilst on the wash pan. I suppose they think it's the fire itself. I only overheard one comment from the BBMF engineers at the fence and that was just ' it doesn't look good'.
Gary
Does anyone here really think this isn't months of work? Maybe in 1942 this would have been an engine change and back up for tomorrow night's raid. Not today, I'm afraid. The damage assessment alone is going to be a long job.
There are so many parts at risk there, parts that no longer sit on shelves. I pray they can be sourced/manufactured in reasonably short order, but what I'm saying here is don't hold your breath.
She'll be back.
There are so many parts at risk there, parts that no longer sit on shelves. I pray they can be sourced/manufactured in reasonably short order, but what I'm saying here is don't hold your breath.
She'll be back.
Courtney
You're right that there will be much to remanufacture - engine bearers, wire looms, control rods, mounts, etc... However, from what I could see the fire did not appear to go into the wing and damage the all important wing spar. I recall that LF363 was almost completely burned at RAF Wittering in 1991 and she was lovingly rebuilt, so I am very confident that PA474 will fly again.
By the way, I saw the old girl in the flesh shortly after the fire and she is definitely still standing proud on both legs - as others have said, well done to the crew and the fire crew for saving her.
LJ
You're right that there will be much to remanufacture - engine bearers, wire looms, control rods, mounts, etc... However, from what I could see the fire did not appear to go into the wing and damage the all important wing spar. I recall that LF363 was almost completely burned at RAF Wittering in 1991 and she was lovingly rebuilt, so I am very confident that PA474 will fly again.
By the way, I saw the old girl in the flesh shortly after the fire and she is definitely still standing proud on both legs - as others have said, well done to the crew and the fire crew for saving her.
LJ
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Wrong Lanc, that was the Canadian one, this is the RAF one.
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Judging by this on the Flypast forum, the bearers had a lot of heat on it so is probably shot, the wiring and pipe work hasn't faired well either, I'd say it's season is done.
The firewall appears to have stopped most of it travelling back.
The firewall appears to have stopped most of it travelling back.