Linlithgow Golf Course
LINLITHGOW GOLF COURSE: Precautionary forced landing site
Note: The picture of the Kitfox was obtained from the Edinburgh Evening News, 8th August 2023. The local area map and the aerial picture of the golf course, with captions, were kindly provided by Mr Mike Holder. The area view is from my Google Earth © derived database.
Location: S of the A706, just SW of Linlithgow town centre
Period of operation: 7th August 2023
NOTES: We have Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for pointing out this location. He spotted the mention in the Edinburgh Evening News.
It was reported that an aircraft appeared out of nowhere and landed by the 9th hole. The problem was quickly resolved and it took off shortly afterwards on the 12th fairway. Typical of the so often very low standards of reporting we have today, the aircraft was described as being a 'Red Bull' type. Even a cursory search on the interweb will reveal that the Red Bull air races have never used an aircraft even remotely like a Denny Kitfox!
This picture was obtained from National Club Golfer. It would be nice to discover the registration of this aircraft. So far, (by the 11th August 2023), all attempts have failed. The article in the Edinburgh Evening News states that the locals think it was flying from nearby POLMONT airfield, for which I have a listing. But of course, as they had no idea whatsoever about the aircraft type, I think I will remain somewhat sceptical about this claim. Any advice will be most welcome.
The reason for including the incident here is twofold. Firstly to amuse to some extent, but, a tad more seriously, it serves to illustrate a problem I have had over the last twenty plus years. A dilemma that can easily drive a well meaning old duffer like myself quickly quite bonkers. (Mind you, it has to said that you need to be at least a bit bonkers to even start on a project such as this).
Namely, what to include and what to leave out? Is this a flying site? Well.....yes - clearly it is. An aircraft has both landed and taken off here. The remedy has been to include a limited number of similar examples, (mostly not precautionary in nature), even dating back to the pre WW1 era, where aircraft have made a single visit only. Usually to visit friends and/or relatives. Usually of course pictures are not available, hence my eagerness to include this example.
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