New Residents in Kilrush and Limetree

A recent arrival in Kilrush is Spezio DAL-1 Tuholer PH-MJC.  It arrived a few weeks ago on a trailer from the Netherlands and was reassembled over last weekend.  Originally built in 1969, it was based in the UK for many years as G-NOBI before moving to the Netherlands in March 2009.  Its powered by a Continental C125 producing 125hp.

Meanwhile back at base in Limetree, a new arrival is ATEC Zephyr EI-CZA.  After a few years of inactivity in Galway CZA was roaded in Limetree last week and had its wings refitted. It should be flying again in the very near future,

June 3rd 1941, The original "Iolar" was lost at sea.

On June 3rd 1941 De Havilland 84 Dragon G-ACPY, operated by Great Western and Southern Airlines Ltd,  was lost enroute from St. Marys, Scilly Isles to Lands End, Cornwall.  Having left St. Marys with a pilot and five passengers on board the aircraft never arrived at Lands End and an immediate search was launched.  Only one body was recovered, that of a passenger who was washed up on the beach near Portreath.  Four of the passengers were from the same family, Mr John Leggitt, his wife Sheelagh and their two daughters, Jeannie (age 11) and Romalita (age 9). Also lost was the pilot, Capt William Anderson DFC and Mrs. Georgina Griffith.

Later investigations into the loss concluded that the aircraft was attacked by a Luftwaffe Heinkel 111.  Its left engine was set on fire and the aircraft crashed into the sea.

This aircraft was the former EI-ABI "Iolar", the aircraft that made the first flight by Aer Lingus on May 27 1936 when Capt. O.E. Armstrong and five passengers left Baldonnel, Dublin at 9am for Bristol Whitchurch.

A photo of EI-ABI can be viewed here  EI-ABI 1936 .

Photos of  G-ACPY  -  G-ACPY 1939   G-ACPY 1938

Breitling Wingwalkers at Kilrush

The Breitling Wingwalkers and their two Boeing Stearmans made a quick stop in Kilrush on their way back to the UK from the Abbeyshrule Flightfest.

Fuel tanks filled, engines started and ready to depart.

 N5057V taxying to runway 29.

 SE-BOG following.

SE-BOG taking off into a very strong westerly wind.

The two Stearmans turning southeast heading for the coast.