Topic: Chipmunk Crash at Spanhoe - Crew OK

[DGH]

I have seen on another forum that there has been a Chipmunk crash at Spanhoe in the last few days. The important thing is the crew are reported as being ok, hopefully this is no more than some bruises. The Chipmunk however is reported as a write-off. I know that at least one of our forum flies from there, whoever it is I wish them all the best.

[Duncan]

I am sure that I speak for all of us by saying that thank goodness there were no serious injuries, and to wish the crew a speedy return to the air!

It is always sad to hear of an aircraft down, and it always affects those involved quite profoundly.

Regards,
Duncan

[david burke]

The Chipmunk should quite happily go again. She requires a fair amount of work but that shouldn't stop a return to the air for her.

[DGH]

David do you know which Chipmunk was involved?

[DamienB]

A post on the Key forum from a Spanhoe flyer reports it as WD347 - the really good looking one painted overall grey with dayglo strips and Skylarks team badge on the tail. Again mentioned as being written off but if David knows better...?

[david burke]

The machine is indeed G-BBRV . It's worth pointing out that the Chipmunk was built up from a series of parts built in many cases by subcontrators . It's not unusual to see the part plates bearing Folland stamps. all this makes the Chipmunk incredibly easy from the point of view of repairing them. Back in the 1960's
Chipmunks were regularily rebuilt from little more than the cockpit in terms of civil Chipmunk accidents. From an economic point of view to rebuild her as a commercial job the cost of rebuilding 'RV' is beyond her finished worth.
   However she is presently down but I have no doubt we have not seen tha last of her in the air!

[STANNARD]

Sad to hear about the loss of my favourite little fighter. Like all Chipmunks, G-RV was an absolute sweetheart to fly. She looked after me on more than one occasion, most recently during an unscheduled night landing at RAF Wittering. Let's hope there's life in the old girl yet.

[david burke]

Chipmunk G-BBRV is now airborne again after repairs carried out by Windmill Aviation which included the replacement of the stbd wing and a new engine/propeller.

[DGH]

Thats fantastic news David, thanks for telling us. 

[STANNARD]

Just a few lines to add my congratulations to the Great Waldo Carlos for a job well done with G-BBRV. Stonking engine as well as new fabric and paint. And up for sale!