Blog Archive

Mary Lou Colbert Neale †

Mary Lou Colbert Neale was the first women to sign to become a WASP in World War II. She died on September 12, 2011. Source

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/mary-lou-colbert-neale-%e2%80%a0/

Photograph reveals possible cause of Trojan Horsemen crash

Dave Cooper, a Maryland State Police pilot familiar with the T-28 Trojan, has alerted the NTSB of what he believes might be the reason behind the crash that cost John Mangan his life on September 17 at the Thunder over the Blueridge airshow. Cooper noticed on a photograph taken by Ron Agnir for the The …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/photograph-reveals-possible-cause-of-trojan-horsemen-crash/

Video: Flying Heritage Collection’s B-25 Day

On September 24th, the Flying Heritage Collection hosted “B-25 Day” and presented its two B-25 Mitchell ( 490th Bombardment Squadron and Burma Bridge Busters) as well as the Historic Flight Foundation’s B-25D “Grumpy”.  

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/video-flying-heritage-collections-b-25-day/

Kansas Aviation museum plans archive center

The Hypatia Club has donated $45,000 to the Kansas Aviation Museum for a new archive center to house about 2 million documents reflecting aviation history in Wichita and Kansas. Read more about this on The Wichita Eagle.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/kansas-aviation-museum-plans-archive-center/

Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burnett †

Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burnett, who has died aged 98, enjoyed a life of constant achievement in two widely differing spheres. After filling very senior appointments in the RAF, he embarked on a second career as chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, presiding over the Wimbledon Championships for 10 years. Read the …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/air-chief-marshal-sir-brian-burnett-%e2%80%a0/

T-6 crash in Ottawa County

A T-6 Texan crashed in Ottawa County, Ohio,  shortly after takeoff. The pilot, 62-year old Daniel Schiffer, was taken to the hospital but his wounds are not life-threatening. The aircraft was substantially damaged in the crash. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said the plane left the ground, lost power due to a mechanical malfunction, hit …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/t-6-crash-in-ottawa-county/

USA: CAAM F-104G nearly restored

The Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum’s F-104G Starfighter is now at 90 to 95% of its original configuration. The aircraft was obtained from Taiwan five years ago. Source (translated) and pictures.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/usa-caam-f-104g-nearly-restored/

Betty Skelton Erde †

Betty Skelton Frankman Erde (born June 28, 1926) died on August 31st. She was a retired land speed record car driver and acrobatic airplane pilot who set 17 aviation and automobile records. Known as “the First Lady of Firsts”, she helped create opportunities for women in aviation, auto racing and astronautics. Source

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/betty-skelton-erde-%e2%80%a0/

RAF Museum Cosford acquires C-130 Hercules

A C-130 Hercules Mk 3, the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford’s latest acquisition, landed in RAF Cosford on 12 August 2011. The aircraft will remain at RAF Cosford for the next 3-4 weeks and will undergo a short period of maintenance carried out on the airfield.  It will then be moved onto the RAF …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/raf-museum-cosford-acquires-c-130-hercules/

RAF Museum London launches Dornier Appeal

The RAF Museum has launched an appeal to raise funds to relocate and restore the world’s only known Dornier Do 17, which was discovered in Goodwin Sands. A total of £600,000 is needed, and some £370,000 have already been donated. Those wishing to donate can do so here.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/raf-museum-london-launches-dornier-appeal/

360° cockpit view: Saab Viggen

The Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace in Le Bourget near Paris has posted a new 360° cockpit view on its website: the Saab Sk 37E Viggen. Click here to view.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/360%c2%b0-cockpit-view-saab-viggen/

Two killed in vintage airplane crash in Des Moines River

An unknown aircraft belonging to the Iowa Aviation Museum hit some power lines and crashed on a bank on the Des Moines River on Saturday, killing the two people on board. Source. Edit: the aircraft involved appears to be the museum’s Fairchild PT-19.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/two-killed-in-vintage-airplane-crash-in-des-moines-river/

Canada: Spitfire replica crash-lands in field

After developing engine problems, the pilot of a Spitfire replica ground-looped while attempting had to land in a field. The pilot was treated for minor injuries and the aircraft appears to be lightly damaged only. Source.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/canada-spitfire-replica-crash-lands-in-field/

USA: CWM MiG-23 afterburner run

The Cold War Museum performed a taxi test of its MiG-23 Flogger, during which the afterburner was briefly engaged. Reports and pictures on the CWM’s blog.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/usa-cwm-mig-23-afterburner-run/

P-51 “Miss America” damaged in landing accident

On August 6th, the pilot of P-51 “Miss America” diverted to Oklahoma City Airport because the landing gear wouldn’t lock completely. The gear collapsed during the landing run. Damage appears to be moderate.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/asides/p-51-miss-america-damaged-in-landing-accident/