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English Electric Lightning F. 1A XM135
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English Electric Lightning F. 1A XM135
English Electric Lightning F.1A XM135 (msn 95031), at Duxford. This aircraft jumped the chocks at RAF Lyneham and flew a circuit with no canopy or functioning ejection seat. The pilot was Taffy Holden, an engineering officer, who managed to land safely. Unsurprisingly he suffered trauma from the incident and became OC Training Wing, No.1 School of Technical Traing at RAF Halton. Date: circa 2000
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Media ID 31982159
© The Tony Lovelock Collection / Peter Butt / Mary Evans
2000 Canopy Chocks Circuit Duxford Ejection Electric Engineering Flew Halton Holden Incident Jumped Lightning Lyneham Managed Pilot Safely Seat Suffered Technical Wing Functioning Taffy Trauma
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This incredible print captures the momentous event involving English Electric Lightning F. 1A XM135 at Duxford. The aircraft, piloted by Taffy Holden, experienced a harrowing incident when it jumped the chocks at RAF Lyneham and took off without a canopy or functioning ejection seat. Despite the odds stacked against him, Holden managed to fly a circuit and successfully land the plane safely.
The bravery and skill displayed by Holden in this extraordinary situation is truly commendable. His actions not only saved his own life but also prevented any potential harm to others on the ground or in the air.
As a result of this traumatic experience, Taffy Holden went on to become OC Training Wing at No.1 School of Technical Training at RAF Halton. This serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication to serving in the Royal Air Force.
This image serves as a reminder of the risks that come with aviation but also highlights the courage and expertise of those who operate these powerful machines. It is a true testament to human ingenuity and determination in overcoming challenges in high-stakes situations like this one.
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