Crash drama as pilotless plane takes off alone
Aviation enthusiasts looked on in disbelief as a classic aircraft took off on its own and soared into the air during a demonstration at Goodwood.
The small plane had just been refuelled and its pilots had 'swung' the propellers to restart the engine before getting inside to fly it.
But the plane – a 1940 Stamp model built in the style of a Tiger Moth – began moving before the pilot had a chance to board it and began circling the airfield, next to the historic motor racing circuit.
Onlookers gasped as the plane then began to take off and heading off towards Chichester.
Because it had a full tank of fuel, it would have been able to carry on without anyone being able to stop it.
Fortunately it hit trees and lost a wing. Goodwood staff then sprayed the plane with foam to stop it catching fire.
It was one of a number of aircraft at the airfield for the Goodwood Breakfast Club – a monthly event which displays vintage cars, motorbikes and aircraft for enthusiasts.
>>> Did you see the plane take off? Do you have pictures or video? Contact The News on 023 92 622118
Malcolm Phillips, 67 of Edgell Road, Emsworth, was at the scene and took pictures, above and left, of the plane coming down to the ground behind the trees.
He said: 'It was eerie especially as the plane was going off on its own.
'There were lots of people there, it's been a busy day at the air field.
'Something just went wrong and the plane went off with nobody in it. It was going round the airfield.
'Normally the idea is that you swing the propellers and have the handbrake) on and chocks under the wheel. You also need to make sure the throttle is only set at low revs.
'I suspect what might have happened is that the throttle became loose.
'We didn't know which way it was going to go, it looked like it was going towards Chichester. It was a bit scary because we didn't know which way it was going to go.
'If it hadn't hit the tree it could have just kept going until it ran out of fuel and crashed.'
GOODWOOD FACTS
Goodwood Breakfast Club events take place on the first Sunday of the month and are a meeting for fans of classic cars and motorbikes.
Aircraft occasionally also feature in organised displays. The theme of Sunday's events was Fabulous Family Favourites and featured collectors' four-seater family cars as well as fixed gear aircraft.
The next event, due on Sunday, May 3, is themed Everything But the Car and will include bikes, buses, tractors and trucks.
For more information see goodwod.com/breakfastclub
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Friday 25 May 2012
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