QUESTION

I am seeking information on a vampire that forced landed after a flame out. Unfortunately I do not have exact detail except that this event took place approximately July 1959 whilst operating from AFS Langebaanweg.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could help in any way.

ANSWER
The incident you’re referring to took place on 3 August 1959 when 2nd Lt R.H. Flower-Day (the newspaper’s spelling) forced-landed Vampire FB.6 serial 220 in a cornfield on the farm ‘Schoongezicht’ some 14km from Morreesburg.

The pilot walked away but the aircraft was written-off following the Board of Inquiry.

I have two news clippings of the event, I’ve attached for your reading.

Regards

Steve McLean
Research Assistant to SAAF Museum

AFB Ysterplaat, Cape Town