Just to clarify (and reiterate my signature strapline), my comments and views are my own and not ‘official’ in any way. I have no professional connection with the Sea Vixen operation but (sadly with the clear exception of one individual on here) I too hope that there can be a good outcome from all of this.

There is only one uninterrupted area of grass at Yeovilton – the Light Aircraft Landing Area (LALA). It is only, at most, half the length of R/w 27/09 and is bumpy as hell due to the fact that a road used to run straight through it. It is rarely used. And it does not have an emergency barrier at the end, should the friction between aircraft and grass be insufficient to stop the aircraft within the airfield boundary. But ultimately, you have to realise that the aircraft weighs 15 tons. Attempting a landing with something of that sort of weight, at high speed and on a soft surface will only end up in disaster. It was never an option. He did the right thing, whatever the outcome.

Ref the images released by NW earlier today, I would echo the comments made by Ex Brat above and Bruce. While it does look significantly less worse-off now that some of the panels have been removed, it is still a case of waiting and seeing what the proper engineering assessment of the damage to critical areas and critical components is.

Good to see all of the ‘experts’ out and about again! Why can’t you lot just keep quiet and let those who are able to determine the full facts do their job. Some of those who took these photos have already seen fit to cash in on them by sending to national newspapers. The image showing the fire is totally misleading as that it was over and done with in a split second and was merely residual fuel from the ruptured drop tanks (which were empty) and all it has achieved is stirring up the ‘old aeroplanes are dangerous’ rubbish pedalled by the tabloids yet again.

Not getting drawn any further into this discussion as NO ONE yet knows the full reason for the incident (least of all anyone on here), but seeing as some have queried the attendance of the emergency services, I’d just like to put that one to bed: they WERE in attendance further up the runway out of view of the photographers. It is quite pointless being at the threshold and trying to chase after something going that quick. The aircraft had circled for a while burning off fuel and the airfield was therefore expecting this to happen.

Now, focus on something positive: this was an amazing feat of airmanship for which Hargs deserves every credit.

It is XS885, ex-Culdrose. It had gone from the SFDO to Predannack but was then returned to Culdrose in a bid to hopefully preserve it due to its rarity value. Unfortunately it was pretty much beyond redemption by that stage and the decision was taken to dispose of it. Thankfully, IWM Duxford have a near pristine example on display in 815 NAS colours. Beautifully restored.

Watch out for a Haynes Manual on the Wessex coming later this year!