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Canberra T17 crashed in South Africa

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Dave Hill

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Oct 2, 1995, 3:00:00 AM10/2/95
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It is with great sadness that I can report the loss of an ex-RAF Canberra
T17 Bomber with the loss of two crew members. The aircraft took off from
Cape Town International Airport at 15h20 on Saturday afternoon (30/09/95) on
a training sortie. Aboard were two South African Airways captains - Brian
Townsend - the pilot, and Nico du Barry - the navigator. The aircraft
appeared to spiral into the ground about 20 minutes after take-off.
According to eye-witnesses the plane spiralled into the ground without
giving the crew any chance of using their ejection seats. An official
investigation is underway.

The aircraft was privately owned by Cape Town aviation enthusiast Mr. Mike
Beachy-Head, who also owns 2 Hawker Hunters, A 2-seat T8 and a signle-seat
F6. They were brought to South Africa earlier this year to be part of an
Classic Jets Collection - to be based in Cape Town.

Being a member of the ground crew of the Canberra - I am deeply shocked by
the accident as well as the loss of two friends. May they rest in peace.
My condolences go to both families of the deceased.

Sadly

Dave Hill

--
Information Technology Department
University of Stellenbosch
South Africa Tel: +27 (021) 808-4993
e-mail: dave...@itu1.sun.ac.za
or
ar...@maties.sun.ac.za

Astracon

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Oct 3, 1995, 3:00:00 AM10/3/95
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My sincere condolences too.

Steve

Nigel Wright

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Oct 4, 1995, 3:00:00 AM10/4/95
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Rest in peace - they died doing something they loved.

Nigel.

alanvor...@gmail.com

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Mar 31, 2013, 1:15:45 PM3/31/13
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RIP Brian my friend, I miss you so much!

David E. Powell

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Mar 31, 2013, 4:29:34 PM3/31/13
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On Mar 31, 1:15 pm, alanvorster...@gmail.com wrote:
> RIP Brian my friend, I miss you so much!

My condolences to you and those who knew him. They're a special
breed.

In a way he just never landed. Bless you and yours.

David

jac.d...@gmail.com

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Sep 22, 2017, 12:29:45 PM9/22/17
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Every now and then I do some more investigation on my father's accident. Was never easy an after so many years does the pain and longing to my loving farther get worse. First time that I come on this site. After many years thank you for your sincere condolences. Greetings. The Son of Capt Nico du Barry: Jacques du Barry
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