Fundraiser aims to raise £250k to repair plane damaged during Shuttleworth crash
The Shuttleworth Trust has started a fundraiser to help fix a vintage aircraft that was damaged during a crash at its airshow.
The appeal aims to raise £250,000 to help cover the costs of repairs to the de Havilland DH.88 Comet.
The plane crashed at the Flying Proms Air Show just after 7.30pm on Saturday, August 15. Its pilot was treated at Bedford Hospital South Wing before being discharged.
A spokeswoman for The Shuttleworth Trust said: "We are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement in principle with our insurers that will allow the detailed assessment and repair of the DH.88 Comet Racer, G-ACSS, to begin.
"We are committed to maintaining the long term future of this unique and historic aircraft in flying condition.
"While insurance funding will cover the essential works necessary to return the Comet to the air, there are additional steps Shuttleworth wants to take to preserve the long-term operability of this very special aircraft.
"The Shuttleworth Trust is also mindful of the upcoming 100th Anniversary of the Mildenhall to Australia air race of 1934 – an event won by G-ACSS."
As well as the repairs, there will be an additional programme of restoration and preservation work.
This will include the overhaul to zero time standard of the aircraft's engines, propellers, and accessories – together with the "inspection, refurbishment and preservation" of components that have not been damaged.
The spokeswoman added: "Where new parts are required, Shuttleworth will seek wherever possible to manufacture additional spares at the same time, helping to safeguard the future operation of the aircraft for decades to come."
Funds raised will also help meet costs not covered by insurance, including the policy excess and other essential expenses associated with restoring the aircraft to the highest possible standard.
The spokeswoman explained: "Shuttleworth’s aim is to raise £250,000 over the next 18 months to ensure that G-ACSS not only flies again, but emerges from this restoration with a more extensive spares holding to support its long term operation for future generations to experience and enjoy.
"With the public’s support, Shuttleworth will not only return this iconic aircraft to full flying condition, but will also ensure that it is ready in good time for the 100th Anniversary of the race in which it made history in 1934."
Click here to donate to the appeal.