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Parnall Heck 2C G-AEGI
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Parnall Heck 2C G-AEGI
Parnall Heck 2C G-AEGI, seen with race number 33 at Elmdon for the 1949 Kings Cup Air Race. On 29 July 1949, G-AEGI flew in the Kings Cup Race at Elmdon airport, finishing 13th at an average speed of 145.5 mph. The following year it flew into 7th place in the same event, held at Wolverhampton (with race number 26), and actually averaged 159 mph as it had done in 1938. Unfortunately this Heck 2C was severely damaged after the race when Spitfire G-AISU collided with it during the Spitfires landing run. The Hecks rear end was smashed, and it was put into a hangar at Wolverhampton, where it languished for some time. It was at one stage offered for sale at lb50.00, this being less than the Gipsy engine was worth, but no-one seemed interested. The machine was still at Wo1verhampton in May 1953, but late that summer its Gipsy engine was removed from the airframe, and G-AEGI was burnt. Date: 1949
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Media ID 21131969
© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
13th 1938 1949 1953 Airframe Airport Average Burnt Collided Damaged Finishing Flew Gipsy Hangar Held Interested Kings Landing Offered Parnall Rear Removed Sale Severely Smashed Speed Spitfire Spitfires Wolverhampton Worth Elmdon Heck Year
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In this evocative black-and-white photograph, Parnall Heck 2C G-AEGI (race number 33) is seen at Elmdon Airport during the 1949 Kings Cup Air Race. The Heck 2C, a classic British racing aircraft, had a distinguished history, having finished 13th in the event that year, with an average speed of 145.5 mph. The following year, with race number 26, it flew into 7th place at Wolverhampton, even managing to average an impressive 159 mph, as it had done in 1938. However, tragedy struck after the 1950 race when G-AEGI was severely damaged during the Spitfire landing run. A collision with Spitfire G-AISU resulted in the Heck 2C's rear end being smashed. The aircraft was put into a hangar at Wolverhampton, where it languished for some time. Despite being offered for sale at just £50.00, which was less than the value of its Gipsy engine, no one seemed interested. The machine was still at Wolverhampton in May 1953, but late that summer, its Gipsy engine was removed from the airframe, and G-AEGI was ultimately burnt. This photograph captures a poignant moment in aviation history, showcasing the Heck 2C's resilience and the unpredictable nature of air racing. The image is a testament to the passion and dedication of those who pursued the thrill of flight during this era.
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