Struck Dead By Lightning

A British model plane enthusiast is dead after he was struck by lightning Sunday at the British national competition at RAF Barkston Heath in Lincolnshire.

ITV reports Peter Harris, 63, of Kidderminster in the West Midlands, had been involved in British Model Flying Association competitions for years. He was struck down by lightning as he bicycled across the airfield to pick up his model glider during a fierce thunderstorm at the British Free Flight National Championships.

"He's been doing this as long as I have," said tournament organizer Mike Woodhouse. "I've known him forty years and he was due actually in a couple of months time to fly in the European championships representing his country in Romania. Now he won't be able to do that job."

The three-day tournament continued Monday in spite of the tragedy, with a memorial in honor of Harris.

"Everybody knows everybody else and unfortunately it happens," said Woodhouse. "You see golfers being struck by lightning, but not people who fly toy airplanes. It doesn't happen to us."

The BMFA issued this statement through its website Monday:

It is with great sadness that we inform you of a tragic accident which occurred at the Free Flight Nationals on Sunday 30th May.

Peter Harris from Kidderminster who was a very well known and respected member of the Free Flight community was cycling across the airfield during a very sudden and violent thunderstorm when he was struck by lightning. First aid was administered at the scene and an ambulance crew arrived within minutes to take Peter to hospital in Grantham. Sadly, Peter died of his injuries.

All flying activities were suspended for the remainder of the day. The competition resumed on Monday 31st May (it is thought that this is what Peter would have wanted) following a service on the airfield lead by Rev (Sqn Ldr)Stephen J Radley from RAF Cranwell.

I am sure that the thoughts of every BMFA member will be with the family and friends of Peter at this very sad time.

FMI: www.bmfa.org