Debris From The Aircraft May Have Injured At Least One Spectator

A restored Spitfire XIX was involved in an accident during a takeoff attempt at the L’aérodrome de Longuyon – Villette in northeastern France on Sunday when it flipped over at near takeoff speed. The accident reportedly sent debris into a group of spectators, causing one injury.

The Aviationist reports that the airplane appears to be approaching V2 speed when it suddenly noses over, digging its prop into the grass runway and flips onto its back. The accident was captured on video which was posted to YouTube.

The pilot, Cédric Ruet, fortunately suffered only minor injuries, but the Spitfire didn't fare so well.

The Aviationist reports that according to Touchdown Aviation, the aircraft (PS890) was first delivered to the RAF in 1945. I saw service in Thailand before being donated to Ed Maloney by the King of Siam. It was later shipped to Claremont, CA, where it was acquired and restored to airworthy condition by private owner Steve Hinton. It was part of the "Planes of Fame" collection before being purchased by Christophe Jacquard of France in 2005. He restored the aircraft to original condition, removing an Avro Shackleton engine including its contra-rotating propellers and replacing it with a period-correct engine.

There was no report as to the condition of the spectator who was injured.

(Image from YouTube video)

FMI: YouTube Video