AAIB investigation to Vickers Armstrongs Ltd, Spitfire IX, G-BRRA

Engine failure and forced landing at Biggin Hill Airport on 1 August 2015.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 March 2016

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 1 August 2015
• Aircraft type: Vickers Armstrongs Ltd, Spitfire IX
• Location: Biggin Hill Airport, Kent
• Registration: G-BRRA

Summary:

The aircraft had just taken off when the pilot heard the engine ‘cough’, followed shortly afterwards by a substantial loss of power. He force-landed the aircraft back within the airfield perimeter but it was badly damaged when it struck a line of trees. The engine has not been fully examined although a defect involving an engine inlet valve was noted.

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Vickers Armstrongs Ltd Spitfire IX, G-BRRA 03-16

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Published 10 March 2016