Avro 504K Crash

[crimpsy]

The pilot was lucky to walk away yesterday when the aircraft he was flying, an Avro 504K, suddenly lost power and crashed in to trees surrounding Hood Aerodrome in Masterton New Zealand. The aircraft a replica of the first aircraft to be used by by the New Zealand permenant air force in 1920 and was in the colours of the first aircraft to cross the cook straight. The crash took place on the opening day of the Vintage Aviator Fighter Collection showcase which culminates with the armistace day airshow on the 15th of this month. Witnesses watched as the Avro took off and suddenly lost power diving into the treeline at the south end of the runway, taking around 6 metres off the tops of the trees. The bi-plane was salvaged later in the afternoon as former owner James Slade and chief pilot Gene de Marco watched on. It is not known what, or if they will re-build her but Gene de Marco was quoted as sayiny that replicas such as the Avro cost greater than $100,000 not including the hours it will take.