http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...ester-33748256
I know this is not WW1 or WW2-Related but this tragic accident still does relate to the operation of historic aircraft types worldwide. Which nowadays includes jets.
Kevin Whyman aged 39 was the pilot killed in one of two accidents involving historic aircraft types to have occurred over last weekend. Whilst overflying Chris Evans's CarFest event being held in Oulton, Cheshire Whyman's Folland Gnat T Mk 1 single engine jet aircraft was seen to depart controlled flight and impact the ground. This occurred during a flying display which was being staged at a relatively low level which was partnered by another Folland Gnat T Mk 1. No bailout attempt appears to be made by Whyman probably due to the disablement of the Martin Baker ejector seats which the Gnat is fitted with. From POI (Point of Incident) to impact the g-forces generated by the aircraft would have restricted escape given how it was almost inverted. Also lack of escape height may have been a factor preventing Whyman from escaping from the crippled aircraft prior to impact.
Kevin Whyman was a former RAF pilot who was well-known on the UK Air Show Circuit for being a skilled and experienced display pilot and no stranger to the operation of historic jets. Although grainy footage and several photographs are all that is available I have studied them and this departure from controlled flight IMHO may very well have begun with a wake turbulence encounter at low level. This unfortunate accident occurred to Folland Gnat T Mk 1 G-TIMM which was painted up as XS111 in the Red Arrows colours. Owned and operated by Heritage Aircraft Ltd.
In the second accident to affect British historic aviation operations over last weekend Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk IX 'MK912 / SH-L' G-BRRA suffered a loss of power very soon after take off from London Biggin Hill Airport in Kent. Although the aircraft came down on the airfield perimeter and has been extensively damaged this was a non-fatal accident. A thread has already been started on The Aerodrome about G-BRRA.
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