Lightning strike kills modeller
Posted: Sun May 30, 2004 6:17 pmJust heard about this on the radio news. 
What it doesn't say is that this "pensioner" was most likely a highly experienced modeller. The BMFA British Free Flight National Championships is the prime event for model gliding enthusiasts from all over the country. Only the very best take part in the competition.
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Lightning strike kills pensioner
A model plane enthusiast died when he was struck by lightning as he retrieved his glider at a national competition.
The pensioner, who was in his 70s, had cycled across the runway at RAF Barkston Heath, Lincs, to collect his aircraft as a huge storm broke out.
He was hit by one of two lightning bolts and was later pronounced dead on arrival at hospital in Grantham.
The British Model Flying Association cancelled the rest of Sunday's events and will hold a tribute on Monday.
Organiser Roy Wright said: "There were two bolts of lightning - one which struck this gentleman and another which hit our main hangar and took out all the electrics."
He added that none of the competitors witnessed the incident and that organisers were alerted by motorists who saw what happened.
"We hadn't had a drop of rain all weekend and then suddenly this thunderstorm breaks out," he said.
"It is just unfortunately one of those freak things and our sympathies go out to his wife."
First aid staff tried to resuscitate the elderly man before paramedics arrived.
What it doesn't say is that this "pensioner" was most likely a highly experienced modeller. The BMFA British Free Flight National Championships is the prime event for model gliding enthusiasts from all over the country. Only the very best take part in the competition.
============================
Lightning strike kills pensioner
A model plane enthusiast died when he was struck by lightning as he retrieved his glider at a national competition.
The pensioner, who was in his 70s, had cycled across the runway at RAF Barkston Heath, Lincs, to collect his aircraft as a huge storm broke out.
He was hit by one of two lightning bolts and was later pronounced dead on arrival at hospital in Grantham.
The British Model Flying Association cancelled the rest of Sunday's events and will hold a tribute on Monday.
Organiser Roy Wright said: "There were two bolts of lightning - one which struck this gentleman and another which hit our main hangar and took out all the electrics."
He added that none of the competitors witnessed the incident and that organisers were alerted by motorists who saw what happened.
"We hadn't had a drop of rain all weekend and then suddenly this thunderstorm breaks out," he said.
"It is just unfortunately one of those freak things and our sympathies go out to his wife."
First aid staff tried to resuscitate the elderly man before paramedics arrived.
