Our man in Duxford!

Air Classics, Oct 2001

As per usual, wellknown aviation photographer Philip Makanna was visiting the huge Flying Legends show at Duxford in July to obtain images for his Ghosts calendar. Phil had developed a special relationship over the years with the folks at Duxford and is always returning with some great shots of the UK Warbirds. On 5 July, Phil was goris going aloft in a T-6 with pilot Clive Denney for a photo mission. The aircraft made a normal takeoff but then rolled to the side and crashed nosedown off the Duxford runway.

Fortunately, the T-6 carne to rest on its belly. Unfortunately, it almost immediately caught fire. The accident occurred on press day and, needless to say, almost every camera was focused on the burning wreckage as Phil calmly unstrapped from teh rear cockpit and went to the front cockpit where Clive was knocked out. Phil managed to unstrap Clive and carry/drag him to safety in the grass past the left wing. Phil then cooly went back to the rear cockpit to retrieved film and cameras while the front of the plane burned merrily away! The Duxford resuce services were soon on hand and got the fire out while medical personnel attended to Clive.

Fortunately, Clive's injuries were minimal and Phil was okay except for the next few days he was quite sore. The Texan was totally destroyed. The accident received nationwide press coverage and one paper said "American hero saves pilot." Good show, Phil!