19 April 2023
Ten aircraft valued at around £250,000 have been destroyed in the second arson attack in two years at Davidstow Airfield, Cornwall.
Gary Perry, owner of Davidstow Flying Club which teaches microlight flying, said, “We are all absolutely devastated and 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. The first one in a satellite hangar 100 yards from our main building, when one fixed-wing and two lightweight flex-wing [microlights] plus the building destroyed.
This is all that’s left of one of the C42s
“This time, [it was] four fixed-wing including two Ikarus C42s, a Van’s RV-6 and a Thruster, two Quantum flex-wings, and four lightweight flexis, circa £250k. Plus whatever damage the building has sustained from the heat and smoke.”
Gary continued, “I saw this all unfold as my security camera alerted me to an intruder in the hangar. I called a member who lives close by, and then saw the chap had started a fire in the middle section of the hangar, so I called the fire brigade.
“Within two minutes it was raging, and within five it had melted my camera and that was that.
“No words can describe how I personally feel at this time, as I have not only lost my fantastic C42B, but also my operating base for my school, and my livelihood.
“When the police opened the doors yesterday to let me see Bravo Yankee and all the other carnage caused to the other aircraft, the reality of seeing the scene in person, and the overwhelming emotion of it all, did make me cry.
“Many thanks everyone, we really do appreciate your messages of support.”
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the blaze is criminal and has now involved Devon and Cornwall Police who have issued an appeal for information.
