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Pictures reveal last minute changes to Bluebird 50 years after crash
Marking the 50th anniversary of Donald Campbell’s death.
Following the fiftieth anniversary commemorations (January 4, 2017) of Donald Campbell’s untimely death at Coniston, images have emerged of last minute changes to Bluebird K7, his jet boat. Donald is pictured here on Monday October 31, 1966 at the Surrey firm where K7 was designed, the day before heading to Coniston for the final record attempt. Alongside him is the engineering team responsible for modifications to the boat – including the installation of the tail fin, instruments and Orpheus turbo-jet cannibalised from a Gnat fighter jet. With Campbell is his faithful chief mechanic Leo Villa and designer Ken Norris, who had worked tirelessly on solving K7’s stability issues – particularly after Bluebird was damaged after hitting a duck. Weeks later – despite modifications – Bluebird flipped at more than 300mph, killing Campbell instantly.
Fifty years on, daughter Gina took to the lake with friends and family to lay flowers at the spot where Donald died. Throughout, she clutched her father’s mascot Mr Whoppit, found floating on the surface after the crash.
Reflecting on the loss of her father, Gina told PC: ‘In a funny way, it’s how he would have wanted to go. My grandfather died in 1948 after suffering a stroke. What a sad end to an incredible life. I think my father’s finest hour was the day he died. It immortalised him.’ Gina says she is thankful for the support, particularly from those her father inspired. ‘It’s wonderful to witness how his legacy lives on through the imagination of others.’