'The Fallen' - Wing Fold - 29/01/08

Dear Squadron Leader,

I bought a Spitfire in August and had a great first flight. On the second I executed a steep launch, stalled and subsequently crashed. I replaced the fuselage but not the wing as it seemed to be ok.

Following several good flights including a few near misses and heavy landings (not forgetting a nasty little crash when I attached a camera to the rear and forgot to balance it properly), confidence was high. I too was still unconcerned with the wing condition as they looked fine with the exception of some slight damage to the wing tips from the cartwheeling original crash.

Along comes a visit form the in-laws with the mother-in-law wanting to take some nice pictures with her good quality camera; so it's off to the field we go. The wind is a little strong but having flown in such conditions before it’s duly ignored. After good launch the old girl gets blown around a bit and is flying towards me for a low pass when all of a sudden the wing goes from almost straight to v-shaped as the port wing folds!!

Needless to say lift and flight dynamics are now lacking and the Spitfire heads downwards to oblivion and the worst crash ever (in my opinion). Even the pilot ejected!!!! He seems to have done a Bader and left his legs behind though.

Total damage included a snapped wing, bent fuselage, cracked gearbox, spinner and prop buried in the mud and not forgetting the disintegrated cowl.

New parts purchased from the folk at Squadron Leader and she is back in the air!

The good news is I have since flown successfully.

Malcolm Springett

Squadron Leader - Oh Dear Malcolm, failing to check the air worthiness of your Kite before you take to the air is dismal offence that deserves a severe dressing down. However, in this case a reprimand is not required as we feel you have suffered enough. Good to hear you have not lost your bottle.

Keep it up!