BE-2c Replica. Help Required

GASML · 17 June 2005, 09:41 AM

Hope a few of you guys can sort through your memory banks and assist us in researching the history of Charles Boddington's BE-2c replica which flew in the USA in the 1970s.

What we know so far is:

It was built in Sywell, England, from modified DH Tiger Moth components, by Charles Boddington of the Barnstormers Flying Circus in 1969.

Originally registered G-AWYI, it was destined for a movie called Biggles Sweeps the Skies, but the filming was never completed. The aeroplane was shipped (by Universal we think), to the USA, when it was subsequently registered N1914B.

After that the trail gets colder. We know it flew with a Flying Circus operation at Bealeton VA. Then it crashed near Oshkosh WI in 1977, injuring the pilot. And that's about it!

We are particularly keen to make contact with anyone who was involved with the aeroplane during its time in the USA.

Maybe these pictures might spur a memory or two?

greenknight · 18 June 2005, 08:12 AM

Could the wrecked airplane have gone to Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome at some point? I seem to remember seeing what looked like a damaged BE-2 fuselage in the back of a hangar. This was probably in the early 1980s. As I recall the fuselage was a cream color, perhaps painted to approximate clear-doped linen.

Does this ring a bell with anyone else?

GASML · 20 June 2005, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenknight

Could the wrecked airplane have gone to Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome at some point? I seem to remember seeing what looked like a damaged BE-2 fuselage in the back of a hangar. This was probably in the early 1980s. As I recall the fuselage was a cream color, perhaps painted to approximate clear-doped linen.

Does this ring a bell with anyone else?

That's right. The remains were stored for some time in a hangar there after its crash. Its now the subject of a rebuild at its original birthplace in England.

I'd really love to hear anything of its time at Bealeton VA, and of any information in the circumstances leading up to the time of its accident in 1977. Any news?

Mirrors · 20 June 2005, 11:54 AM

Good luck with this restoration, all I can add to this thread is the NTSB summary of the accident.

NTSB Identification: CHI77DEP35
14 CFR Part 91 General Aviation
Event occurred Tuesday, June 14, 1977 in NEENAH, WI
Aircraft: REPLICA BE-2C, registration: N1914B

FILE: 3-1278
DATE: 77/6/14
TIME - 1230
LOCATION: NEENAH WI
DEPARTURE POINT: NEENAH WI
INTENDED DESTINATION: OSHKOSH WI
AIRCRAFT DATA: REPLICA BE-2C N1914B

INJURIES: CR- F=0, S=1, M/N 0

DAMAGE: SUBSTANTIAL.

PILOT DATA: COMMERCIAL, AGE 57, 6000 TOTAL HOURS, 0 IN TYPE, NOT INSTRUMENT RATED.

FLIGHT PURPOSE: MISCELLANEOUS FERRY.

PHASE OF OPERATION IN FLIGHT: CLIMB TO CRUISE.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT: STALL: SPIRAL.

PROBABLE CAUSE(S): PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED.

Regards,

Robert.

GASML · 22 June 2005, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mirrors

Good luck with this restoration, all I can add to this thread is the NTSB summary of the accident.

NTSB Identification: CHI77DEP35
14 CFR Part 91 General Aviation
Event occurred Tuesday, June 14, 1977 in NEENAH, WI
Aircraft: REPLICA BE-2C, registration: N1914B

FILE: 3-1278
DATE: 77/6/14
TIME - 1230
LOCATION: NEENAH WI
DEPARTURE POINT: NEENAH WI
INTENDED DESTINATION: OSHKOSH WI
AIRCRAFT DATA: REPLICA BE-2C N1914B

INJURIES: CR- F=0, S=1, M/N 0

DAMAGE: SUBSTANTIAL.

PILOT DATA: COMMERCIAL, AGE 57, 6000 TOTAL HOURS, 0 IN TYPE, NOT INSTRUMENT RATED.

FLIGHT PURPOSE: MISCELLANEOUS FERRY.

PHASE OF OPERATION IN FLIGHT: CLIMB TO CRUISE.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT: STALL: SPIRAL.

PROBABLE CAUSE(S): PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED.

Regards,

Robert.

Ouch! Can anyone help us track down the unfortunate pilot. We're aiming to restore it to flying condition and could use some advice on how it flew. Not too good from the accident report!!

GASML · 23 June 2005, 01:13 AM

Oh.. and thanks again for the information Robert!

Scottie · 23 June 2005, 03:35 AM

Try the RAF Museum at Hendon- they have a BE-2 replica and may be able to give you some information.

Good Luck.

Best wishes

Scottie

GASML · 29 June 2005, 02:00 AM

Thanks Scottie. Yes the Hendon BE-2 is a good source of reference for us. I've already spent a happy hour or two taking pictures and measurements.

We've just hear that a pilot who might have been flying the replica at the time of its accident may have been Dave Jameson, who was connected with the EAA. Does anyone know how I can make contact with him?