June 6, 2001 11:16: A celebration of flying history resulted in tragedy when two aeroplanes plunged from the skies during the Biggin Hill International Air Fair killing three. Mike Addelman reports on the events of the weekend and the implications for the future.

ORGANISERS of the Biggin Hill air show want to continue running the event despite three airmen plunging to their deaths during this weekend's displays.

Spectators watched in horror as a Second World War King Cobra flown by Guy Bancroft-Wilson exploded in a ball of flame after crashing into a field yards away from the 45,000-strong crowd, killing the pilot.

But two flyers, Sir Ken Hayr and Jonathan Kerr, had been killed in an earlier crash after a De Havilland Vampire crashed into a field a mile-and-a-half away near Shire Lane.

And a third aeroplane had been forced to make an emergency landing after its undercarriage failed to open minutes before the show was due to start on Saturday.

Jim Maitland, managing director of event organiser Air Flights International, said: "I strongly hope the air fair will happen next year.

"There are few accidents in air shows and for three accidents to happen in the space of two days is a complete freak.

"The staff are very shocked and our thoughts are with the families of the people who died.

"Most of the pilots are have a military background and these people live with risk. Accidents occasionally do happen."

A Biggin Hill Airport spokesman said the airport was "shocked and saddened" by the two tragedies and promised to help the Air Accident Investigation Branch as it looked into the causes of the crashes. She added: "Clearly, as a result of these two accidents we will listen to both the CAA and the views of the community and other interested parties about future air shows at Biggin Hill.

"We have opened a comments book at the passenger terminal for those who would like to record their views for consideration in this process."

Nicola Fry, 44, of Mungo Park, Orpington, was at the show with her seven-year-old son, Tristan.

She said: "I feel so sad for Biggin Hill Airport because it is not their fault and I love going there. I just hope this tragedy does not mean the show is cancelled."

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