Wildcat wrecked

[Antarctica]

Duxford UK, Grumman FM-2 wrecked, pilot serious.

Incident Grumman FM-2 Wildcat G-KINL, 06 Jul 2023

A light plane crashed in the grounds of Heveningham Hall while trying to land. The pilot was seriously injured. Based on photos in local press the aircraft is a Grumman Wildcat which was...

aviation-safety.net

 

[SaparotRob]

First time I've heard anyone refer to a Wildcat as a light plane.

 

[wheelsup_cavu]

Hope to hear good news regarding the recovery of the pilot real soon.
They had done a beautiful job on the restoration though.

Wheels

 

[Airframes]

Hope the pilot recovers.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Same...but have to ask...Terry where you anywhere near that plane before engine start?

 

[Airframes]

Not guilty, M'Lord !

 

[Barrett]

First time I've heard anyone refer to a Wildcat as a light plane.

What Saparotrob said. Non aviation people should not attempt writing about aviation.
But we already knew that.
FM-2 empty: 5,500 lbs
Cessna 172: 1,700 lbs.

 

[Crimea_River]

Not guilty, M'Lord !

....he said as he smiled quietly to himself.

 

[Wildcat]

Bummer....

 

[Gary Cain]

That sucks

 

[ww2restorer]

First time I've heard anyone refer to a Wildcat as a light plane.

Most under 12,000 pounds are generally accepted as light aircraft

 

[Gnomey]

Hopefully the pilots ok!

 

[Engineman]

Reported that pilot John Romain suffered head injuries but has since left hospital.
Aircraft pictured on its back with vertical tail flattened and damage reported as substantial.

Eng

 

[manta22]

An interesting video.
View: https://youtu.be/9I6RY4yuCQ4

 

[buffnut453]

Glad the pilot's ok and hope the aircraft can be repaired. While the damage is extensive, it seems repairable to my uneducated eyes.

Hadn't realised the pilot was John Romain. He's a remarkable dude. As a teenager (early teens) he started working on the "Blenheim to the Skies" project, being mentored by one of the old engine fitters to entirely overhaul the Bristol Mercury. When the old guy passed away (he was a WW2 veteran), John rebuilt the second engine on his own. He then got his pilot's licence, twin rating, display licence, and ultimately became the display pilot for the Blenheim. He then progressed as the display pilot for numerous other warbirds.

Really, REALLY glad he's ok and has been released from hospital.

 

[cammerjeff]

Source Man airlifted to hospital following plane crash days before country fair

I am also glad that it appears the Pilot is alright, but "head Injuries" covers a lot of situations from minor to sever.

 

[Spitfire Steve]

An interesting video.
View: https://youtu.be/9I6RY4yuCQ4

I hadn't seen that before. I worked on Galloping Ghost when I worked in AZ. I made the canopy eject system on it. Unfortunately when you pull 17G you haven't got a hope in getting out.

 

[Zipper730]

I'll say one thing: They really did build for roll-over protection in the F4F/FM!

 

[Wayne Little]

Missed this one, glad the pilot is ok....

Terry must have been overwhelmed with sadness on hearing his favourite 'cat' had crashed...