Marmite!! Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 (edited) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-20939051 7 January 2013 Last updated at 17:08 East Midlands Airport shut by Spitfire undercarriage collapse The runway at East Midlands Airport has closed after a Spitfire's undercarriage collapsed as it was coming in to land. The pilot has not been seriously injured but the runway has been closed while debris is cleared away, a spokesperson said. Flights to East Midlands Airport are currently being diverted to Birmingham. A spokeswoman for East Midlands Airport said it would take about two hours to clear the runway and flights arriving and departing would be delayed. East Midlands Airport: 'Passengers on flights can check in as usual' The runway is shut and flights are suspended because of where the plane has come to rest, All inbound flights have been diverted and outbound flights have been suspended, but we are expecting to be operational within two hours. Any passengers booked on flights are advised to check in as usual. – East Midlands Airport spokesperson Leicestershire emergency services not needed at East Midlands Airport Leicestershire Fire and Rescue and Leicestershire Police have confirmed to ITV Central News they were notified about the spitfire landing at East Midlands Airport but were then told they did not need to attend as it was dealt with by the airport. A spokesperson for the airport has confirmed the undercarriage of the aircraft gave way on landing, which they say should not be described as a crash. East Midlands Airport says there are delays of up to two hours to scheduled flights. Delays and diversions are expected to be over by 6.30pm. The airport has also confirmed there are no injuries. Edited January 7, 2013 by Marmite!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithy Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 This was lead news item on Central Tonight, which has just been on in our area. They have reported that the pilot wasn't injured, thankfully, and the wreckage/plane has been moved clear of the runway now. By the sound of it the plane will be ok as well. Suppose it goes to show the peril's of flying these old war birds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanter Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Got to be gutting for the owners, Rolls-Royce, as its only a few weeks out of a 2 year refurb at duxford. Hope its not too bad, at least the pilot is ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antar Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Got to be gutting for the owners, Rolls-Royce, as its only a few weeks out of a 2 year refurb at duxford. Hope its not too bad, at least the pilot is ok Bet someone's a&$e is twitching down at Duxford, incedentally I work at JCB and watched the Spitfire fly over our factory at around 1.15 this afternoon, the engine sounded superb ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share Posted January 8, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanter Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 At least they had wooden props as this will have reduced the chance of engine damage compared to metal ones, hopefully not too much work before It's back where it belongs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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