Auster 5J1

History

On the 22/4/2006 this Auster 5J1 Autocrat was involved in a landing accident at an airstrip in Oxfordshire. The aircraft struck telegraph poles that were lying in long grass at the end of the airstrip. The aircraft undercarriage collapsed, the propeller struck the ground whilst still turning, and the aircraft came to rest in the field adjacent to the runway. The pilot and passenger were uninjured and were able to vacate the aircraft unaided.

The aircraft has an interesting history. It was originally constructed in 1947 only to be struck off the register in 1952 having been written off in a landing accident. The wreck was returned to Auster at Rearsby Aerodrome and returned to the production line where it was remanufactured in its present form. It has been owned by the present owner for over 30 years

The aircraft suffered substantial damage in the landing incident and was delivered to Bygone Aviation for repair. This repair work started in the later part of 2007. The work is progressing well and should see the aircraft return to the skies in April or May of 2008.