(photo credit: Jens Schmidtgen)
The craft, which was one of the first eight that were delivered to the South African Air Force in 1965 is one of five surviving examples that are being sent to museums around the country for preservation.
The relatively short journey to Ysterplaat was accomplished by fabricating a special cradle for the plane to accommodate the wide track of its undercarriage and raising the airframe and cradle with airbags so that a flatbed trailer could be positioned under it. The plane is scheduled to be restored to static display standards, though various missing parts will first have to be sourced.
A sad story predates this “recovery” of Bucc 416.
I flew this particular aircraft during the attack on Cassinga on 4 May 1978.
After the disbanding 24 Squadron, South African Air Force, this aircraft was “lent” to Mr. Mike Beachyhead, owner of “Thunder City”, a Warbird operator at Cape Town international Airport, South Africa, in perfect flying condition. Here it was sadly neglected and cannabilised for parts. It stood for years outside in the sun and rain of the “Cape of Storms” with its canopy open. Note the quote: “The plane is scheduled to be restored to static display standards, though various missing parts will first have to be sourced.”
After intense efforts by myself and other interested parties It was a relief to learn of the eventual returning of this once exceedingly valuable asset to its roots, albeit in its sadly neglected condition.
Thanks for sharing this with us Dries.
Dankie Dries, vir jou onbaatsugtige bydraes tot ons samelewing. Ek onthou “die manne” nog asof ons gister bymekaar was. Phillip Pretorius. Dienspligtige, ’77-’78. HIT THE FLOOR….