Aircraft

Aerial display stalwart the B-17 Flying Fortress, known as Sally B, will not fly again this year due to engine failure.

Following an investigation after the aircraft’s two engines failed, it has become clear that the repair work cannot be completed by October when its display season ends.

A fault has been found in one engine which is being repaired and another other engine is still under investigation in the USA.

© B-17 Preservation

Sally B is operated by Elly Sallingboe of B-17 Preservation and a team of volunteers who say that engines and spare parts have "become increasingly difficult to find".

Sallingboe said: "We are all saddened by this unfortunate turn of events, especially as this is the first time in the aircraft's 33 years of display flying that she has missed a complete season. We are confident that 2009 will see our B-17 back in the air where she belongs."

Sally B is a regular attraction on the UK air show circuit and flagship of Duxford’s American Air Museum in Britain. 

Related links:

• Flying in a DC-3
• Vulcan restoration project
• The Vulcan at Farnborough 2008
• Images of the Vulcan (registered XH558) on AirSpace
• The B-17 Charitable Trust