Vintage Comet will be rebuilt after crashing

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 1, 2026

The de Havilland DH.88 Comet "Somerset," a historic British racing aircraft that crashed during a recent airshow landing, will be restored to flying condition by the Shuttleworth Trust. This restoration effort highlights the aircraft's pioneering design and aviation legacy, supported by rapid fundraising and enthusiasm to keep it as a flying exhibit rather than a static display.

A vintage British aircraft famed for its speed records is set to be restored to flying condition following a crash at an airshow in Bedfordshire. The de Havilland DH.88 Comet, known as Somerset, was involved in an incident while landing at Old Warden airfield on August 15. The pilot was hospitalized but released the following day.

Despite the apparent severity of the damage sustained in the crash, the aircraft’s owner, the Shuttleworth Trust, has committed to rebuilding the historic plane to airworthiness. The trust emphasizes that its collection comprises functioning aircraft intended to be flown, rather than static displays.

Constructed in the 1930s, the Comet represented a significant advancement in British aviation technology. It gained prominence by winning the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race, an endurance competition covering 10,500 miles from Great Britain to Australia. Sponsored by Australian confectioner Sir Macpherson Robertson to mark the centenary of the state of Victoria, the race attracted 60 aircraft, with only 12 completing the arduous journey.

The Comet’s design introduced several features that became standard in modern airliners, including retractable landing gear and stressed-skin construction, along with an impressive range nearing 3,000 miles. Its aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy were considered exceptional for the time. The aircraft also influenced the development of the de Havilland Mosquito, a fast bomber used during World War II.

Jean-Michel Munn, chief engineer at the Shuttleworth Trust and a qualified pilot, highlighted public enthusiasm for preserving the Comet in flying condition. A fundraising effort aimed at restoring the aircraft quickly raised £15,000 on its first day. Munn noted the value of experiencing such a historic airplane in flight, describing its operation as a dynamic demonstration of engineering.

During the 1934 race, the Comet completed the journey to Australia in just under 71 hours—a dramatic improvement over prior travel times, which involved six weeks by ship. The aircraft’s combination of speed, range, and efficiency secured its place in aviation history, making its restoration a priority for the trust and aviation enthusiasts alike.

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