Many in the aviation fraternity in Cape Town are outraged by the scrapping of the Avro Shackleton Mk.3 "1717/O" that was on display at Ysterplaat AFB, Cape Town.
The airframe is in fact that of 1720/M - c/n 1530 and was accepted by 35 Sqn. in January 1958. Her first flight was on 26 September 1957. She was badly damaged at D.F. Malan airport when she undershot the runway during asymmetric practice on 18 September 1961.
The aircraft was repaired on site and progressively modified to Phase III standard by March 1973. She was withdrawn from service on 10 March 1983 after reaching the end of her fatigue life. She was then displayed outside the WO's Club at AFB Ysterplaat in the 1957 delivery colours of 1717/O.
The airframe is in fact that of 1720/M - c/n 1530 and was accepted by 35 Sqn. in January 1958. Her first flight was on 26 September 1957. She was badly damaged at D.F. Malan airport when she undershot the runway during asymmetric practice on 18 September 1961.
The aircraft was repaired on site and progressively modified to Phase III standard by March 1973. She was withdrawn from service on 10 March 1983 after reaching the end of her fatigue life. She was then displayed outside the WO's Club at AFB Ysterplaat in the 1957 delivery colours of 1717/O.
Apparently the effects of the elements took their toll on the majestic airframe and the nose collapsed and she ended up on her tail. Due to safety concerns it had been decided a year ago that she would be scrapped since she beyond economical repair.
It really is a shame that no attempt was made to rescue the airframe or offer it to potential interested parties in the UK.
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