Wednesday 6 September 2006

Statement regarding aircraft incident at Imperial War Museum Duxford

The Imperial War Museum Duxford can confirm that there was an incident early this afternoon at Duxford airfield involving a privately owned T-33 twin-seat jet trainer aircraft.  The airfield’s emergency services were on site immediately and, with the assistance of the local emergency services, dealt with the incident.  No members of the public were involved.

The aircraft, operated by Golden Apple and based at Duxford, took off from runway 24 at 14.23 local time with a pilot and an engineer on board and came down shortly thereafter in a field beyond the western perimeter of the airfield.  The pilot has been taken to Addenbrookes Hospital by air ambulance.  The engineer has been assessed by the Ambulance Service, is fully fit and did not require hospitalisation.

As is normal in these circumstances, Cambridgeshire Constabulary has assumed control of the situation and is lead Service.  The Air Accident Investigation Branch has been notified.  They will be carrying out a full investigation into the cause of the accident.  The Museum will also carry out an internal review to ensure that all aspects of its safety procedures were fully implemented.

Ends.

For further information please contact:
Cambridgeshire Constabulary Newsline:  0871 550 3001
Imperial War Museum Duxford Press Office:  01223 499 375 / 319