“Two dead in RAF crash
Two RAF crew were killed when their aircraft crashed on the runway at a military base.
The Canberra aircraft, which had three people on board, crashed on the airfield at RAF Marham, in Norfolk, during a routine training exercise at 10.29pm on Thursday.
It is understood that one of the crew managed to eject from the plane before impact and was taken to a Nottingham hospital with severe back injuries.
A MoD spokesman said the jet was involved in a “touch and go” exercise, in which the crew practice taking off and landing .
No details of the deceased were released as next of kin were being notified of the incident, he added.
RAF Marham Squadron Leader Rem Merrick said: “Emergency services responded quickly and are now at the scene. A board of inquiry will be convened to investigate the accident.”
Earlier this year the crew of an RAF fighter jet based at RAF Marham managed to eject to safety moments before their plane crashed into the sea.
The Tornado pilot and navigator were picked up from their dinghies off the Northumberland coast, around 40 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne, on July 22.
RAF Marham, situated six miles from Swaffham, is one of the busiest front-line stations in Britain, and boasts the largest single collection of offensive capability in the RAF.
It operates Canberra aircraft in the reconnaissance role and Tornado GR4A/GR4 aircraft in reconnaissance and attack roles, with one Canberra squadron and four Tornado squadrons on site.”
Taken from: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040903/344/f1uev.html
🙁
By: stringbag - 4th September 2004 at 22:40
I think Paul Morris had volunteered to become Brian Grant’s Sea Vixen apprentice down at de-Havilland.
A sad loss to the airshow scene.
By: Atlantic1 - 4th September 2004 at 20:14
Patty O’Doors must have already known this, but one of the deceased pilots was Paul Morris, a regular Display pilot who flew the Air Atlantique Meteor & Vampire. Paul was a superb pilot who seemed to be at one with the aircraft. A great loss.
I’m sure I speak for all at Air Atlantique when I say this is a terrible and tragic loss. Our thoughts are with the families of those involved.
Tom.
By: Ewan Hoozarmy - 4th September 2004 at 20:02
Patty O’Doors must have already known this, but one of the deceased pilots was Paul Morris, a regular Display pilot who flew the Air Atlantique Meteor & Vampire. Paul was a superb pilot who seemed to be at one with the aircraft. A great loss.
the full news item can be seen here….
By: landyman - 3rd September 2004 at 22:37
very sad news indeed, my deepest condolencies to the families, friends and squadron mates of the unfortunate crewmen. and wishing the survivor a speedy recovery.
with sadness.
Greg
By: mmitch - 3rd September 2004 at 19:37
Condolences. It must be all the harder for the small Canberra community.
mmitch.
By: Auster Fan - 3rd September 2004 at 19:33
This is indeed desperate news, particularly for the families involved and fellow members of 39 Squadron. As said earlier however, I fear the worst with the reporting in the media.
By: Patty O'Doors - 3rd September 2004 at 19:27
Sad news indeed, a great loss and my condolences to the families involved. I knew one of the pilots and the world of display flying has lost a good man! 🙁
Adios amigo!
By: David Burke - 3rd September 2004 at 18:38
Sadly the Canberra can be fairly unforgiving in the circuit if something goes wrong. There are a number of crews who have learnt the hard way -sad to hear of the loss at RAF Marham .
By: David Burke - 3rd September 2004 at 18:33
Nermal – the seats are from memory Mk.2CA’s which are not ‘ZERO-ZER0’
capability. They are fairly early generation seats which are broadly similar to the Hunter seat.
By: pimpernel - 3rd September 2004 at 17:25
To the family and friends of the crew and to all their colleagues at RAF Marham, I would like to offer my sincere condolences.
BP.
By: danohagan - 3rd September 2004 at 15:31
Third crew member is reported to be “comfortable” in hospital in Nottingham. At least some good news…
By: Whitleyfreak - 3rd September 2004 at 15:26
Such a tragedy! My thoughts are with the families of the crew who died and I hope for a quick recovery for the crew member who was able to eject. Really sad news!
Todd
By: DGH - 3rd September 2004 at 13:59
Um, I thought that :rolleyes: As well as the comment by the ‘expert’ about there being a known problem with the Canberra. That being that when one engine stops it doesn’t fly straight – not his exact words but basically what was said. :rolleyes:
By: danohagan - 3rd September 2004 at 13:37
Cretinous remark from Andrew Sinclair on BBC Look East at lunchtime… “Why are the RAF using such old planes?”
By: Paul Rix - 3rd September 2004 at 13:36
It is awful how the simplest bits of flying can sometimes turn round and bite you. A salutory lesson to all of us who push mortality to the back of our minds when flying.
Sad news.
Moggy
Good point Moggy. It is something that is never far from my mind when I fly.
My thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this accident.
By: Peter - 3rd September 2004 at 13:27
very sad news!!
Condolences to the family and friends of the crew and to all the staff at RAF Marham.
By: Nermal - 3rd September 2004 at 13:26
Have just seen the wreckage (as taken by PA) and it doesn’t look that bad (as far as it is all in one piece and not burnt out, sort of thing). Looks like all ejected but only one survived – does the T4 have zero/zero seats? – Nermal
By: Firebird - 3rd September 2004 at 13:18
Marham had a pool of four T.4s I think, two of them in store at Shawbury.
Have they enough lifed bits to get any of the stored examples back in the air though….. :rolleyes:
Can’t be done for the poor crew members though 🙁
By: DGH - 3rd September 2004 at 13:14
One of those is now stripped out and on the dump at Marham
By: stringbag - 3rd September 2004 at 12:56
Marham had a pool of four T.4s I think, two of them in store at Shawbury.
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September 3, 2004 at 8:21 am