Lightning T.5 XS451

[3Greens]

November 14th marks the anniversary of the very sad loss of Lightning T5 XS451 with pilot Dave Stock.

As an element of the 'Thunder City' organisation, flying ex. RAF military fighter jets and based in Cape Town South Africa, they had been performing at Overberg on 14th November 2009 when the aircraft encountered control difficulties which the pilot had desperately tried to rectify well away from the airfield, but subsequent fire made this impossible, as were his attempts to eject, prior to crashing.

After shipping out from the U.K. to the South Africa operation the aircraft had been reassembled and registered ZU-BEX, in advance of its 'first' flight in May 2000. Along with one other T.5 two seater and two F.6 frames they were very active in air show appearances, with the T.5's offering the opportunity to individuals with 'deep pockets' private flights and to experience the Lightning's incredible speed and altitude performances.

Regrettably the Thunder City operation was 'wound up' soon after the loss. This incredible operation had really only come about due to the perseverance of certain individuals to ensure that the Lightning, which had come to the end of its operational RAF career, would still be a massive attraction in the skies. A number of Lightnings had been saved from the 'axe man' by preservation groups in the final run down at Binbrook in 1987/1988, with the hope that one day at least one airframe could return to the airshow circuit here in the U.K. Miles of 'red tape' and edict from the CAA made sure that didn't come to pass. Much has been written and published over this.

Here are just a few of my memories of the XS451 which saw operation by No. 226 OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) at Coltishall then Binbrook, and which became 'C' Flight of 11 Squadron before the LTF (Lightning Training Flight) was finally established in late 1975. The aircraft had been reduced to a ground instruction airframe in 1976.

With 226OCU marks removed - noted September 1974


Now a part of 'C' Flight 11 Squadron - noted March 1975


Now fully integrated into the LTF (Lighning Training Flight)








While detached to Coningsby in the summer of 1976








Hope you enjoyed them

[FraserP]

Great memories of a lovely aircraft, a personal favourite at Leuchars, and a nice tribute. Many thanks

[Mustang531]

Some great shots, thanks for sharing these with us.

[raptor9]

Whilst it was wonderful to see these aircraft in action the organisation was almost criminal in their lack of adherence to the basic rules of operating these aircraft. Sadly, Dave Stock lost his life because he couldn't eject through the canopy, which he couldn't get rid of. The ejection cartridges for both the seat and the cockpit canopy were way out of date!. The accident report, consisting of many pages which I have read, as I know Paddyboy has, made absolutely terrible reading, with the Thunder City operation promising the S.A. CA.A. that shortcomings were going to be dealt with. They weren't. So pleased I saw them in 2005 in S.A. but so cavalier in their operation that it ultimately cost the life of a very nice man.

[paddyboy]

Hi Keith

Superb shots of a ‘frame I must have seen many times during my regular trips to Scottow crash gate at my beloved Coltishall

You are totally correct, John: that is probably the worst and most damning report of an air ‘accident’ I have ever read

Thanks for posting those, Keith

Paddyboy

[3Greens]

Great memories of a lovely aircraft, a personal favourite at Leuchars, and a nice tribute. Many thanks

Some great shots, thanks for sharing these with us.

Whilst it was wonderful to see these aircraft in action the organisation was almost criminal in their lack of adherence to the basic rules of operating these aircraft. Sadly, Dave Stock lost his life because he couldn't eject through the canopy, which he couldn't get rid of. The ejection cartridges for both the seat and the cockpit canopy were way out of date!. The accident report, consisting of many pages which I have read, as I know Paddyboy has, made absolutely terrible reading, with the Thunder City operation promising the S.A. CA.A. that shortcomings were going to be dealt with. They weren't. So pleased I saw them in 2005 in S.A. but so cavalier in their operation that it ultimately cost the life of a very nice man.

Hi Keith

Superb shots of a ‘frame I must have seen many times during my regular trips to Scottow crash gate at my beloved Coltishall

You are totally correct, John: that is probably the worst and most damning report of an air ‘accident’ I have ever read

Thanks for posting those, Keith

Paddyboy

Thanks to all for comments regarding the shots and for the memory of Dave Stock.
Raptor9 and Paddy I had no idea of the AIB summary on the incident,.. what a terrible and unnecessary waste that was.
I never had the opportunity to visit S.A. but I guess like everyone else was satisfied by the media coverage presented here that the company was seemingly impeccable in being able to operate a 'stable' of fast jets.

Paddy I take your point on the excellent crash gate at Scottow. When on family holiday in the late 60's my dad took me across from Yarmouth but there was no Lightning activity only a solitary Whirlwind flying But I did log the location so when I eventually had my own transport visited there for the Jaguars !

Best regards
Keith (3Greens)

[Herkchaser]

Super shots, great to see.