Last Sea Vixon crashes

[Bob Smith]

Last Sea Vixon crashes

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/new...ng-flames.html

[Dartskipper]

Be careful about posting links to the Mail Bob, if some members on the "other site" see it, they'll just say it's another pack of lies.....

[Malcolm G]

de Havilland Sea Vixen - G-CVIX, flying as XP924, aka Foxy Lady.

The only current airworthy Vixen, but there are about a dozen still intact and it has been suggested that one or two could also be flown again.

With regard the the DM report - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ing-show.html-
Fairly typical of their style with the sensational headlines to grab the 'clicks' - The 'burst into flames' appears to be residual fuel from the drop tanks, which took the weight in lieu of the wheels.
Others managed to get a more 'concise' report, eg:
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/last-sea-v...004828814.html

[GarethJ]

These remaining old birds should not be flown - they are too precious - they should be kept safely in buildings where they can be seen by future generations.

[Dartskipper]

It's a shame that the undercarriage failed. There are many other Sea Vixens to see in museums, and as Malcolm says, one or two don't need a lot of work to make airworthy. I was fortunate to see the MOD's Me109G6 flying at Duxford once, but she also ended her flying career after an unfortunate landing accident. She is now on view at Hendon RAF Museum. The major problem facing these old warbirds will be the new regulations and restrictions imposed after the crash of the Hunter at Shoreham. Some small airshows won't be able to afford the extra costs, and even some large shows may be reduced in scope.

[Malcolm G]

Just checked and in April 2012 she had another unfortunate accident at Bournemouth airport.
Again the pilot had done fly-by gear check, which was OK.
He landed safely and then inadvertently moved the landing gear lever, which he had taken for the flap lever found on other a/c which he flew.
The left and nose wheels retracted and it just dropped onto the runway at around 15 knots.

As the gear should not be capable of retracting under load then maybe there is an ongoing problem part of which had just popped up again.... ?

Perhaps Foxy Lady should retire before she gets seriously hurt.

[FG86]

The aircraft remains at Yeovilton in the care and ownership of Navy Wings ( The Charity that has taken over the RN Historic flight)
The damaged part of teh aircraft has been striped down and assessed, it is repairable but will take time and money. All the damaged systems and equipment have been sourced and have replacements at hand, this ranges from new hydraulic gearbox to canopy. The aircraft is maintained at a basic servicing level ensuring all systems are run and functioned at regular intervals. The main work required is teh replacement of stringers and skin repairs along the two booms. There is no intention to dispose of her nor cease the servicing, hopefully a white knight with cheque book will appear!

[FG86]

Alas with the present economical environment and ongoing problems in sourcing sufficient funds, Navy Wings have taken the sad step of ceasing any further maintenance and restoration work, they have decided to sell the Sea Vixen 'as is' to a suitable museum that will look after her and preserve her for the future. It is extremely unlikely that she will re repaired to flight condition. On a positive note the money saved will now be channelled into reactivating and supporting the Sea Hawk in its return to flying condition and flying display.

[Malcolm G]

The latest news in the local Bournemouth press is that Foxy Lady is likely to be moved to the Bournemouth Aviation Museum (just outside Bournemouth airport). They are currently attempting to raise funds to move the aircraft from Yeovilton and provide suitable shelter for her on arrival.
Apparently the damage consisted of; cracks in both tail booms, a badly damaged gearbox and warped bulkheads in the engine.
If anyone wants to help then more here - crowdfunder.co.uk/p/project-cvix---back-to-base