Involved In A Ramp Accident In Which She Struck A Parked Helicopter

Pilot Tracey Curtis-Taylor, who describes herself as "the Bird in a Biplane", will have to have some repairs done to her bipe before attempting to recreate an historic flight between the U.K. and Australia.

Curtis-Taylor was taxiing her vintage Stearman on the ramp at Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex, U.K. when she struck a parked helicopter, causing damage to both aircraft.

The U.K. newspaper The Daily Mail reports that the impact of the Stearman's propeller tore off the entire front of the Robinson helicopter.

Curtis-Taylor hopes to depart in October to recreate the famous flight of pilot Amy Johnson, who in 1930 became the first woman to fly from Great Britain to Australia. Johnson flew a de Havilland DH-60 Gypsy Moth which is on display at the Science Museum in London. She won the Harmon Trophy for her accomplishment.

On her website, Curtis-Taylor said she was inspired by Johnson's feat, and wants to recreate the epic flight. But following the accident, it is unclear whether she will be able to make that departure on time.

The Stearman, which Curtis-Taylor has dubbed "The Spirit of Artemis," appears to be only slightly damaged by the tangle with the Robinson. She recently flew the bipe from Cape Town, South Africa to Goodwood via Cairo, Egypt. That 9,000 mile journey was an homage to a flight in 1928 by Mary, Lady Heath.

(Image from Facebook)

www.birdinabiplane.com/australia/