(photo credit: Jens Schmidtgen)
The craft, which was one of the first eight that were delivered to the South African Air Force in 1965 is one of five surviving examples that are being sent to museums around the country for preservation.
The relatively short journey to Ysterplaat was accomplished by fabricating a special cradle for the plane to accommodate the wide track of its undercarriage and raising the airframe and cradle with airbags so that a flatbed trailer could be positioned under it. The plane is scheduled to be restored to static display standards, though various missing parts will first have to be sourced.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
A sad story predates this “recovery” of Bucc 416.
I flew this particular aircraft during the attack on Cassinga on 4 May 1978.
After the disbanding 24 Squadron, South African Air Force, this aircraft was “lent” to Mr. Mike Beachyhead, owner of “Thunder City”, a Warbird operator at Cape Town international Airport, South Africa, in perfect flying condition. Here it was sadly neglected and cannabilised for parts. It stood for years outside in the sun and rain of the “Cape of Storms” with its canopy open. Note the quote: “The plane is scheduled to be restored to static display standards, though various missing parts will first have to be sourced.”
After intense efforts by myself and other interested parties It was a relief to learn of the eventual returning of this once exceedingly valuable asset to its roots, albeit in its sadly neglected condition.
Thanks for sharing this with us Dries.
Dankie Dries, vir jou onbaatsugtige bydraes tot ons samelewing. Ek onthou “die manne” nog asof ons gister bymekaar was. Phillip Pretorius. Dienspligtige, ’77-’78. HIT THE FLOOR….