The sole airworthy Bristol Blenheim, G-BPIV "R3821", suffered a serious landing accident at its Duxford base on 18th August, fortunately with no injuries to those on board. The full extent of the damage will not be known until a full survey has been done. It appears that the aircraft suffered a starboard engine failure on approach, leading to a loss of height, causing the undercarriage to hit a mound near the runway. The gear collapsed on landing, with the aircraft ending up on its belly. Apart from the obvious damage to the gear and underside, the starboard engine and its mountings appears to have sustained some damage.
It has been reported that the Blenheim is repairable, but will certainly be out of action for some time. The Bristol Blenheim was notorious for single engine flying, so it is a great credit to the pilot, John Webb, that the aircraft landed without more serious damage, and without injury.
