Had Just Completed Performance At Duxford Air Show

The pilot of the last airworthy Sea Vixen aircraft was forced to make a gear-up landing following a performance at the Duxford Air Show.

In a statement posted on its website, Navy Wings, the nonprofit which operates the airplane, said "Following the Sea Vixen’s successful display closing the show at Duxford Air Show, upon her return the Sea Vixen suffered hydraulic problems and the Pilot Cdr Simon Hargreaves performed a highly controlled wheels up landing at RNAS Yeovilton.

Pilot is safe and well. Post accident processes are currently being carried out."

The U.K. newspaper The Telegraph reports that photographer Scott Dabinett had been waiting at Yeovilton for the airplane to return from the air show. He said that he overheard radio communications with the tower that indicated that the landing gear was still retracted, and that after several more passes, it was announced that a gear-up landing would be attempted.

That attempt was successful. The airplane reportedly tracked straight down the runway as it came to a stop.

The airplane, "Foxy Lady", was retired from military service in August, 1971. Fly Navy Heritage Trust Navy Wings was presented with the aircraft in September, 2014.

(Image from YouTube Video posted by user The Aviationist)

FMI: Original Report