Engine fault grounds Battle of Britain planes
SEVEn historic Second World War aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight have been grounded after a fault was found in one of their engines.
four Spitfires, two Hurricanes and a Lancaster bomber were taken out of action after the problem was discovered in one of the Hurricanes.
Among the grounded planes is the last airworthy Battle of Britain Spitfire. the Lancaster is one of just two left flying in the world.
the ‘precautionary’ measure will disappoint air show crowds around the country. Blackpool air show missed out last weekend, followed by Bletchley Park on Wednesday.
the planes, which are operated by the RAf, were due to fly on all four days of the Eastbourne Airshow, which started yesterday. Eastbourne Borough Council said it was ‘looking at alternatives’. At this weekend’s Biggin Hill festival of flight, organisers said: ‘the Battle of Britain Memorial flight will not appear unless we’re told otherwise.’
the problem relates to a ‘pin’ on the Hurricane’s Merlin engine. the six other grounded aircraft also use Merlins. A Ministry of Defence spokesman was unable to say when they would fly again.
‘ Until we find out specifically what’s wrong, we can’t fix it,’ he said. ‘is it an issue with one engine, or all of them?’ Aviation fans expressed disappointment on social media. One said: ‘Bad news! Hope they’re fixed soon, it’s wonderful to see these aircraft.’
the V-12 Rolls-Royce Merlin engine was designed in 1933 and nearly 150,000 were built. it was used in 40 aircraft types during the Second World War. Later Spitfires had Griffon engines and those which are in the BBMf are still operational.
BBMf planes – based at RAf Coningsby in Lincolnshire – are maintained by a private company.
A BBMf spokesman said: ‘A routine inspection highlighted a fault with a Merlin engine. As a precaution, we have temporarily paused flying of our aircraft powered by Merlins.
‘We realise the disappointment this will be, however safety is our paramount concern.’
‘Hope they’re fixed soon’