(Image via DaveBellamy.co.uk)
A Royal Navy Sea Harrier that crashed more than 10 years ago is set to be restored to static display condition. The aircraft was until recently stored at Bournemouth Airport and has now reportedly moved to Lymington in Hampshire.
(Image via DaveBellamy.co.uk)
The Harrier, which belonged to the Fleet Air Arm’s No. 800 Squadron, was withdrawn from service after running off the runway at RNAS Yeovilton on October 8, 2001. Pilot Simon ‘Spon’ Clayton ejected safely before the aircraft finished up in the River Yeo.
(Image: Tony Guest, reproduced with permission)
The jet, serial number ZD614, was recovered from the river and stored in a dismantled condition at RAF St Athan. It was disposed of to Everett Aero in Sproughton near Ipswich the following year.
(Image: Tony Guest, reproduced with permission)
Dave Bellamy has a page dedicated to the ZD614 incident on his excellent website. The Sea Harrier FA2 is pictured shortly after the accident (top) and more recently awaiting restoration, looking rather sorry for itself!
Keep reading – visit the Sea Harrier Graveyard at Charlwood, Surrey
