Thunder City English Electric Lightning T.5 ZU-BEX - AFB Overberg Photo

Thunder City ZU-BEX aircraft at AFB Overberg

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NEWS! Lightning crashes during display

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Image ID: 69712
Views: 5002
Operator: Thunder City - ZU-BEX
Aircraft: English Electric - Lightning T.5
Airport: South Africa - AFB Overberg
Category: Warbirds (after WW2)
Photo taken on 2007-11-10 by EDreyer [Contact]

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Photographer's remark
(15.11.2009, 21:25 CET)
An English Electric Lightning T5 (ex RAF XS451) crashed at the biannual Overberg Airshow held near Bredasdorp, South Africa on Saturday, 14 November 2009. The aircraft belonged to the privately owned company, Thunder City, who owns the only flying Lightnings in the world. The airplane took of at approximately 12h15 for a display and left the display box after experiencing hydraulic problems with the aircraft. It flew over the ocean to burn off fuel in an attemt to make an emergency landing at the airfield. Firefighting trucks were on standby along the runway and a safety net for catching the airplane was also erected at the end of the runway should it overshoot the runway in attemp to land safely. The plane crashed at ± 12h25 while returning to the airfield. The crash site is approximately 10km from the runway. The South African Air Force immediately sent out Oryx and Augusta 109 helicopters to the scene. Reports received indicated that the pilot made distress calls that he was unable to eject from the aircraft. The airshow was stopped immediately and decisions had to be made whether to continue with the show or not. The show commenced at 15:00. None of the other aircraft of Thunder City took part in the rest of the afternoon's display programme. The pilot, Dave Stock (46) died as a result of the accident. He was an ex South African Air Force test pilot who flew the Mirage F1, Denel Cheetah and Atlas Impala jets. He was one of the best pilots in South Africa with more than 15 000 flying hours behind his name. Dave will sadly be missed by the South African aviation community. A lucky spectator at the airshow was suppose the take a flight in a Lightning later the afternoon. The Silver Falcon Aerobatic Display Team of the South African Air Force concluded the airshow with the "Missing Man" formation in memory of Dave Stock. The incident is currently under investigation and feedback will be provided when a statement has been issued.

1 Jacques Viljoen
(15. 11. 2009, 22:46 CET)
Very sad RIP and condolences to familie and friends.A true pro and loved what he did,what a loss! May god bless his soul!

2 Colin Harrison
(16. 11. 2009, 08:16 CET)
What a tragedy - Dave Stock was a charming man and a gifted pilot - sincere condolences to his family & all at Thunder City.

3 toady
(16. 11. 2009, 10:13 CET)
A great loss for South Africa, Family and Friends. May God keep you and your family @peace

4 Mike Davies
(16. 11. 2009, 10:38 CET)
What a sad end to both Dave and the Lightning. Life is very short and this once again highlights the need to "do the things in life that are important to us " and more importantly to love and treasure the people we close to All strength to the family and loved ones .

5 Gustav
(16. 11. 2009, 13:52 CET)
Dave paid the ultimate price in bringing us, aviation enthusiast, the joys of seeing these aircraft fly! The Lightning was always the highlight of every airshow I have been to and Saturday was a sad and shocking experience and one got to realise the great risk these pilots take! My condolences goes to all his family and friends. Know that he brought big smiles to millions of spectators over the years and he will be greatly missed!

6 ex-Binbrook
(17. 11. 2009, 01:37 CET)
So very sad. The loss of the pilot and the aircraft are incalculable. A magnificent pilot, a magnificent man and a magnificent chariot. Sadly, all irreplaceable. However, to keep perspective, this is the risk we all take when flying at extremes, especially in old aircraft, especially when racking up this number of hours. Its Russian Roulette every time with a 100 round chamber. However one is always loaded. I flew this plane out of Binbrook. I was so happy it was brought back to life and flown. We all lost a little bot of ourselves on the 14th November

7 Trevor MacDonald Bennett
(17. 11. 2009, 10:23 CET)
I flew XS451 several times during my time instructing on the Lightning OCU at RAF Coltishall. A truly tragic loss. However I am certain that the last thing Dave would wish is for the cessation of this wonderful historic flying which he loved so much, and gives enormous pleasure and respect to aviation enthusiasts worldwide. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

8 Boy Louw - Dubai
(18. 11. 2009, 07:59 CET)
A sad day for all of us... I had the privelege to be part of the team that brought the 4 lightnings to South Africa. I agree with Trevor that we are confident that Dave would want to see this incredible aircraft continue to fly; however the importance and focus now is to establish the real cause and should be careful of over speculation... our sincere condolences to Dave's family and all those involved with TC.

9 John Gilder
(18. 11. 2009, 22:12 CET)
Absolutely terrible news. Although I was never fortunate enough to meet Dave, he flew in BEX with my close friend, the late Brian Carroll,several years ago, who at the age of 71, flew the Lightning (BEX) for the first time in over twenty years. I have informed Brians widow, Jean, who I remain in contact with, and she was simply devastated. My most sincere condolences to all of Daves family, and indeed his friends at Thunder City. John.

10 EDreyer
(20. 11. 2009, 08:32 CET)
The memorial service for Dave Stock will be held on Saturday, 21 November 2009, at 14h00 at St Paul's Cathedral, Adderley Street, Cape Town.

11 G
(21. 11. 2009, 17:35 CET)
Very very Sad about this all. So so so unfair. Service today was very moving. Knocked me quite badly ..... To Greg, Gareth and Dave's family and friends, of which there are many. Remember Dave is circling overhead, and Dave ........ well he now has the feathered wings of an Angel. What an absolute hero, he was taking no chance on injuring a single spectator. quite incredible. I'm sure every single aviator enthusiast salutes you, Sir. May you now peacefully soar the heavenly skies. Was a true pleasure it has been seeing you display your skill and dedication. RIP Dave and may your Family have your protection until you meet again. G

12 John McLaren (Scotland)
(7. 12. 2009, 21:37 CET)
Having made a long planned trip to Cape Town for my 50th birthday for a flight in one of the Thunder City Hunters, we were devastated to arrive in Cape Town the day after this tragedy. Suffice to say all flights on the Tuesday after Bredasdorp were grounded, everything pales into gray when you compare man to machine, no matter how impressive, powerful, or iconic the machine was. Never had the privilege to meet Dave Stock, but condolence to his family.

13 David Mitchell (London)
(18. 12. 2009, 22:42 CET)
I was numbed when I discovered that Dave Stock died. I was lucky to fly with Dave last year in the same plane and the memory will be with me forever. Dave exuded confidence and he made me feel safe and secure so that I could enjoy what was the experience of a lifetime...he flew this plane so many times but he understood it was my first time and went out his way to make sure I was the centre of the moment. A real pro. Thoughts go to his family.

14 Josh Patterson (Oshkosh, USA)
(16. 1. 2010, 00:48 CET)
I just got my copy of Aircraft and was shocked when the second page I turn to I find the headline Thunder City Lightning Lost. I'm amazed it happened at all giving the love and fanaticism that goes into the maintainance and care of all of Thunder City's planes. Thank you for sharing you toys with the rest of us. As much fun as I have in a C172, Dave must have been grinning ear to ear! I hope they find the cause to keep the remaining pilots and fleet safe. Keep 'Em Flying!

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