Spitfire Scrambles to Inspect Vulcan XH558 During Mid-Air Emergency

Spitfire Joins Vulcan XH558 After Nose-Wheel Trouble at Prestwick

Vulcan XH558 developed a nose-gear problem during the 2015 Prestwick Airshow, and a Spitfire joined the aircraft to inspect the gear from close range. The unusual visual check helped establish what the crew needed to do next.

During the Prestwick Airshow on 5 September 2015, Vulcan XH558 reported that the nose landing gear had not produced the expected indication. The aircraft remained airborne while the crew worked on the problem.

A Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was able to inspect the Vulcan from outside the aircraft. The Spitfire crew reported that the nose wheel was hanging at an angle rather than appearing fully locked.

The Vulcan then used deliberate yawing and turns in an attempt to free the gear. The maneuvering worked: the nose wheel moved into the required position and the aircraft continued toward landing.

XH558 landed safely on Runway 30. The incident is remembered because a historic fighter became the eyes for a much larger historic bomber during an abnormal landing-gear problem.

The original footage provides a rare visual record of the entire sequence. XH558 initially approached the field for a landing on Runway 30, but instead of continuing the approach it conducted another flypast and began orbiting north of Prestwick.

The BBMF Spitfire pilot contacted the tower and offered to inspect the Vulcan's landing gear from underneath. The Vulcan slowed to a speed reported around 170 knots so that the Spitfire could fly close enough to examine the nose gear.

The inspection found that the nose wheel was not fully extended and there was no obvious obstruction preventing it from locking. The Vulcan crew then used yawing and tight turns to apply the forces needed to move the gear into position.

After the gear appeared to lock, the Vulcan continued toward the landing. The Spitfire remained involved in the sequence and helped provide an external visual reference while the crew committed to the recovery.

Later records note that XH558 departed Prestwick the following day with the landing gear extended for the flight to Doncaster. That aftermath is consistent with the abnormal gear condition remaining an aircraft-maintenance concern even though the emergency landing itself was successful.

“nose wheel hanging at 30 degrees”

Accident Facts

Sources

• Video source (ATC/audio reconstruction)
• Fighter Jets World report on the 5 September 2015 Prestwick incident.
• AeroVFR report on the Vulcan/Spitfire inspection and landing.
• Contemporary airshow footage/reporting.
• Video/ATC recording