Vintage Aviation Photo, DH.82A Tiger Moth, G-AKZZ, Christchurch 1952
Written off (damaged beyond repair) 30.5.53 when crashed into the sea off Bournemouth Pier. The pilot returned to dry land with nothing more serious than wet clothes and embarrassment. For the Tiger Moth, presumably the consequences were more serious. The wreckage was recovered from the sea 13.8.53; presumably the salt water damage from its extended immersion in the sea rendered it beyond economic repair. A contemporary local newspaper report gives further details ("Belfast Telegraph" - Saturday 30 May 1953):
"HOLIDAYMAKERS SEE PLANE'S SEA CRASH
Two minutes after it had left Christchurch aerodrome a biplane crashed into the sea about half a mile off Bournemouth beach to-day. The crash was seen by thousands of people on the beach. The pilot, Malcolm Hoy, of Snowdon Road. Bournemouth, was rescued by a launch from H.M.S. Indefatigable, which is anchored in the bay. He was taken to hospital. The biplane, a Tiger Moth, belonged to the Christchurch Aero Club, which has its headquarters at Christchurch aerodrome."
Registration G-AKZZ cancelled 7.7.53 due to "destruction or permanent withdrawl from use of aircraft"
8x5cm
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