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22 -24 October 2001  As seen on BBC Bristol Points WestHTV and in the local Press:

Mystery propeller blade found buried in the Bristol Channel.

download may take
10 - 15 seconds
Spotted by Mike Pheby, Bristol Helicopters' CFI, the propeller is only visible at low tide.
The 11"-wide, corroded, aluminium blade was projecting vertically 2 feet out of the soft sand. 

Mike Pheby
Mike Pheby, CFI

Landing beside the blade to investigate, Mike found the sand bank to be very soft under foot. However this would make it easier to dig deeper to find what lies below.

The Severn Estuary is well known for its twice daily 30-foot tidal range  and its strong current. Even when the tide is out the sand is very soft to stand on. 

Unfortunately this means the propeller is probably inaccessible by foot from the coast. 

Even by boat, the current, soft sand, twice-daily tides, and shortening autumn daylight hours mean exploration attempts will be tricky and brief.

However, due to the interest shown by the local TV and press, and the response, reminiscences and theories of the viewers, Bristol Helicopters feel encouraged to dig a little deeper.

We will keep you updated.

Aerial view of the blade


view to the East ...

G-FEBY, Mike and the propeller
and to the West demonstrates the desolate location of the aircraft. 

 

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Last modified: March 10, 2008