One less Spitfire :(

[AlanG]

Spitfire FR.XVIIIe (SM845) crashed yesterday in Norway killing it's pilot :sobbing:

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RIP Bertiil Gerhardt

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[Guest]

Indeed Allayne, RIP Bertil Gerhardt. I was in Norway a couple of years ago and it is a really nice place, such a loss.

Adjo Bertil.

Do you know whereabouts he crashed? Gareth.

[stona]

Landing at a place called Tynset. It's not pretty.

Steve

[Guest]

Obviously sad for the loss of a pilot who gave his time and, ultimately, his life to keep this beautiful aircraft in the view of the public. Also so sad that this aircraft has also been lost.

[stona]

It's a bit churlish to say this now,when a man has lost his life,but given the money and resources available to restore these old Spitfires there must be a chance that this one will be saved.

Doesn't it look fantastic flying in the picture Allyne posted above.

Steve

[AlanG]

I know where you're coming from Steve. I truely hope they can repair this beautiful aircraft and then maybe as a mark of respect paint his name on the side of the cockpit.

[stona]

A couple more pictures of the damaged Spitfire.

And another nice one of the same machine doing what these things do best....flying.

Steve

[Guest]

Yes according to an aviation forum I looked at, the Spit is repairable, unfortunately the pilot cannot. My thoughts are with his family.

Gareth.

[Guest]

how did it go down?

[stona]

Hi Norm details are scant and there is of course an ongoing investigation. Speculation is not helpful but it was a landing accident,the aircraft left the runway and ran onto soft ground with the tragic results shown above. It was due to take part in an airshow on the following day.

Cheers

Steve

[stona]

A quick update. Obviously this won't bring the pilot back but the Spitfire has been righted and the damage doesn't appear too bad. When you consider the state of some of the wreckage that serves as a basis for restoration this looks pretty good.

Cheers

Steve