ABOVE: An Ikarus C42 FB100 Bravo was among the aircraft destroyed
A total of ten aircraft have been destroyed in a suspected arson attack at Davidstow Aerodrome; an attack that left Air Cornwall owner Gary Perry “absolutely sickened at the horror and loss a low life individual can cause in just a few minutes”.
“This is the second time we have been targeted in as many years,” noted the flying school owner on social media, adding that “no words can describe how I personally feel at this time, as I have lost not only my fantastic C42B, but also my operating base for my school, and my livelihood”.
Aircraft believed to have been lost include two Ikarus C42 microlights, a Vans RV-6, a Thruster ultralight and six flexwing aircraft.
According to an Air Cornwall social media statement, an intruder was seen to start a fire in the centre of the hangar on security camera. “Within two minutes it was raging, and within five it had melted [the camera], and that was that”.
Fire crews were called to the hangar at 10pm on Tuesday 11 April, where they proceeded to extinguish the blaze. A spokesperson from Cornwall Fire and Rescue said: “Fire appliances from Delabole and Launceston Community Fire Stations were mobilized to a report of an aircraft hangar on fire. When they arrived on scene, they could see flames and smoke issuing through the roof and requested a further fire appliance, which was sent from Launceston.”
The cause of the fire is suspected arson and the incident has been left in the care of Devon and Cornwall Police.
IMAGE: CORNWALL AIR
