Vulcan bomber is back on solid ground after overshooting runway at Wellesbourne
WELLESBOURNE’S famous Vulcan bomber is back on solid ground after the plane became stuck in mud and grass after overshooting the end of the runway during a high-speed taxi run.
A piece of equipment in the cockpit malfunctioned, which meant the XM655 Vulcan remained at full power for about two seconds longer than intended.
That was enough for the plane to overshoot the end of the runway on Friday (16th September) and end up just a few feet from the Stratford Road.
The aircraft, which was being controlled by Wing Commander Mike Politt, is looked after by the XM655 Maintenance and Preservation Society.
Mike said: “Unfortunately, one of the instruments failed, which was critical to the run, and while being distracted by that, I’ve gone off the runway.
“You’re always conscious of the traffic on that road, and the buses that come down.”
He added: “The airfield has informed the Accident Investigation Branch, so if they are going to take an interest, I can’t say much more.
“The good news is that nobody was injured. No one inside the aircraft or outside.”
Volunteers were out on Friday and Saturday to help free the Vulcan, which weighs more than 30 tonnes, from the mud.
The society said on Facebook: “After a very long and very hard day, we are delighted to report that XM655 is back on her pan at Wellesbourne.
“We want to say a massive thanks to everyone who helped us with this huge task, including Bob Jackson and VTTS for the loan of their rear towing bridle, Wixey Transport, especially Matt and Richard, who have moved massive amounts of soil around to make it possible, and all the heavy recovery guys from Tech Trucks, Mayo’s Roadside Assistance, CCG Commercials Ltd and RPM Aviation. Without them, we couldn’t possibly have done it.
“We must also thank all the volunteers who worked tirelessly all day to get the old girl back onto solid ground. They went home after a long day very tired, but they can be justifiably proud of what they have achieved.”
The Vulcan only occasionally makes high-speed taxi runs, and prior to last year had not done one for five years. Back then, after its run in July 2021, Mr Politt told the Herald: “The aircraft performed fantastically, she’s in great shape, it went flawlessly. It’s been five years since the last high-speed taxi, and there were certainly a few people in the café and on the airfield pleased to see her running.
“She may have been brilliant, but operating on a 2,000ft runway might not have been great for my blood pressure!”
The RAF Vulcans were a key part of the UK’s nuclear deterrent in the ‘50s and ‘60s. The XM655 was flown into Wellesbourne in 1984 and has been maintained by the preservation society since 1998.
