One of the engines had a catastrophic failure on rotation, we flew around Sardinia at low level dumping fuel before landing back at Decimomannu. There were a lot of white knuckles on the take off next day in the replacement VC10.
Well as an Ex VC10 engineer and knowing the probs we had with spares even then, a lot will be removed, even looking at the photographs it would appear they have already started by removing the engine fire bottles (open panels either side of the nacelles), either that or they were making the fire bottle cartridges safe.
Just a shame I never knew they were arriving I would have taken the day off to see their final flight, I have a soft spot for 109 and it was my favourite VC10 to ground run 🙁
Ummm, XV109 1984 Deci.
Nearest I have been (until now) in being involved in an aircraft accident.
July ’75, I couldn’t remember my DI’s name but now you mention Cpl Smith that rings a bell..
Gibson block then on to Shawbury for AATC trade training. I remember hearing of bedpacks thrown out of windows for being not of the required standard, did it actually happen to anyone here?
TG9 here too! And yes, I clearly remember bedpacks, shoes, webbing and sundry other items being thrown out of the window. 6 weeks of hell, Shawbury was like a holiday camp after that.
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