Ground Mishap Results In Bent Metal, But No Injuries

No one was injured when two vintage World War II aircraft collided on the ground during the Spirit of Flight Air Show in Galveston, TX this weekend... but the accident did result in significant damage to the planes involved.

Larry Gregory, president of the Lone Star Flight Museum at Scholes Field, told The Houston Chronicle a Supermarine Spitfire (type shown above) apparently taxied into the tail section of the museum's recently-restored Hawker Hurricane at around 1430 CDT Saturday.

The impact flattened the Hawker's empennage, and sent the Spitfire off the side of the taxiway, where it came to rest on its nose. Gregory said the Spitfire sustained damage to its wings and landing gear.

"It's a shame it happened," Gregory said, noting the Hawker is only one of four restored Hurricanes in the country. "As an organization, we're very disappointed."

The 15-year restoration to the Hurricane (type shown above) was completed in May 2006, at a cost of about $2 million.

Fortunately, both planes can be repaired.

FMI: www.lonestarflight.org, www.faa.gov