DISCOVERING AN ABANDONED AIRPLANE!

As part 2 of our Pyramid Trip in the lowveld, we discover an abandoned twin engine Britten-Norman Islander. This airplane hasn't been used since the early 2000's and has been left to be reclaimed by the bush.
This was also our final day of the trip and after dealing with some low clouds in the valley, we were able to escape back to Petit Johannesburg later on in the day.
It is these kinds of fly away trips that make owning your own airplane so special. I can't wait to go on more trips this year and discover the beauty of South African back country.
If you are interested, see the link below for the sale of the Barberton Airport:
www.barbertonairport.co.za/for...
Stay tuned for the next video!

[@wallabybob3020]

First plane I ever flew in! Aurigny Airways. Southampton to the Channel Islands. 1971. Wonderful aircraft.

[@davidobyrne9549]

Anyone thinking of buying that plane needs to get it looked over by an licenced engineer who knows the Islander. They can be pretty far gone, yet brought back to life with a lot of work. The crucial part is the wing which is prone to corrosion, there is a vital bi-annual inspection on it known as SB190 (Britten-Norman Service Bulletin 190) which must be carried out before any attempt to fly that plane.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Interesting! I can imagine there being a lot of work needed to be done before this will fly again

[@stevecarlisle3323]

Britton Norman Islander, one of the best short, rough strip cargo, passenger plane ever built by the English. They were used in BC coastal logging operation in the 70,s.

[@benwilson6145]

Still in use

[@ThomasMarrow]

I can imagine these being around for years to come!

[@stevecarlisle3323]

@@ThomasMarrow The uncomfortable part was prop tips aligned with the side of your head.🤔

[@Morpheen999]

Jimmy would get er fired up!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Wouldn’t put it past him!

[@DivinWear]

BN 2A flies like a dream and handles very well especially in high cross wind. Have distinct and unique sound, sweet body style.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Would love to fly one someday!

[@Tylerbaldwin7]

I love when people find abandoned aircraft like this. What a wicked bird

[@ThomasMarrow]

Man! If only we could get it flying again…

[@keithglaysher9201]

The Brittain Norman Co. always struggled financially and spent a better time with a merge with Pilatus of Switzerland, the Islander was so named as it was built on the Isle of Wight on the South Coast of the UK. A great, sturdy, versatile A/C that also had a big brother the Trilander a 3 engined version the 3rd. being mounted behind the wing above the turtleneck, a bit of a hot ship, that one!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Interesting! The trislander certainly would have been a cool aircraft to fly

[@petergard778]

The engine was actually in a nacelle mounted high on the tail at the elevator junction

[@ThomasMarrow]

@@petergard778 had a look at some photos - quite the aircraft!

[@ThruAWiderLens]

I flew on a BN Trislander in northern Queensland from Cairns to Cooktown with Bush Pilot Airways in 1979. Best flight ever!!!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Amazing! This one has Bush Air written on the side of it

[@petergard778]

Worked for "Bushies" in those days, had bn-2 an four bn2a mk3 trilander plus whole bunch of other things stuff

[@ThomasMarrow]

@@petergard778 This place sounds like fun!

[@paulwolsink]

I see some made comments that it is now a Private Airfield. I agree in that case prior permission required to land, and no poking in someone else's aircraft by opening door's etc. Even if the aircraft is scrapped, it has a value.

[@ottoroth9377]

When I took flying lessons in the late 60's in an old WW II Tail dragger similar to this, except it was a two seater one behind another and fabric covered, sjngle engine hand prop, there were only 5 instruments, Fuel gage, oil pressure, Altimeter and temp, and tach. That was it...it did not have electrical so no lights and it was only flown in day-time....the one you flew I was surprised to see an LCD screen! Memories. Memories!

[@scotty6346]

BN Islanders have a good reputation here in the UK, That one is going to take a fair bit of work but could be worth saving it if you want a robust old work horse!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Could be a cool project!

[@kristinjohnson3655]

Yes, that was CC Pocock’s Islander. He has been trying to sell airport for years. He’s very happy to be and American at this point in his life. He told me “ I was born in the wrong country”.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Yep! I got that feeling too but I’m sure there were many good memories made on that airfield!

[@zimbabweflightcentreacadem7237]

How can we get in touch with CC Pocock?

[@7redline7]

Britten-Norman Islander, beautiful airplane

[@ThomasMarrow]

Indeed. One of few in South Africa!

[@topturretgunner]

I wondered early in the video if it was some kind of Aero Commander which it is obviously not. Thank you gentlemen for sharing this video.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thank you for watching!

[@takewing19]

I'll add Barberton to my bucket list.

[@ThomasMarrow]

100% very interesting place surrounded by beauty! I’m thinking about taking a proper tour of the airfield

[@mmeyers111]

It probably use to belong to CC Pocock. He emigrated to the USA a while ago and now lives at Kidwell, NV.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Yep, it is his. They are trying to sell the airfield it lives at

[@paullaverty3038]

As an American it would be a much more interesting video if you showed a talk about your location and reference to Your country and to wear your At for those of us that don't live there

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks Paul! I will try focus more on that next time

[@tonystewart7287]

Great aircraft, did a couple thousand hours in them. 😎😎

[@ericsmit7588]

Great video!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks Eric! Appreciate all the support

[@michaelr2656]

Thanks for posting.

[@ThomasMarrow]

No prob Mike! Thanks for the support

[@stolaircraftsuyanto9728]

amazing

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thank you!!

[@eprohoda]

beautiful ~ 💫

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thank you!

[@stefanvictor3873]

I built în factory în România ...Briten- Norman - 2..BN -2 în 1980 to 1990.Great Plane

[@ThomasMarrow]

It is awesome! Done some research on it since discovering it and I'm amazed!

[@The1kberry]

So cool to finally some SA bush flying pilots on KZbin

[@The1kberry]

finally see*

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks Keagan! Will keep the videos coming

[@milesbrown8016]

Lekker man

[@alvaropino8476]

Excelente misiva 👌

[@alanscott196]

Real machine

[@mikeblackford994]

Looks good! Might have to air about a tire and you'll be good to go!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Haha possibly!

[@ronironi7151]

Bonito aviao esse com 2 motor Qeria ve ele fucionando vlw pelo seu TRABALHO

[@CaptCamel]

ive flown that (exact) bird in fsx back in the day. Ive always had a soft spot for those bn-2s super stable, easy to fly, and doenst need a whole lot of anything resembling runway. Interesting to see the real world counterpart, to the livery i used to love in game.

[@ThomasMarrow]

It is a very interesting airplane! Pity its been scrapped, would have loved to fly this!

[@milesbrown8016]

Thanks, well done

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thank you!

[@brucejoseph8367]

They were originally built at Bembridge Isle of Wight, a small island off the south coast of England where I live. It's a great place for sailing and walking. The island has a great history too including Roman settlements and being part of the Durasic coast there are Dinosaur bones to be found.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Interesting! Would love to visit

[@flymachine]

Always fun to see Kitfox warriors discover a real airplane, all those gauges and dials! That was CC Pocock’s airplane as far as I know was left at Barberton as part of the sale of the airfield? We flew into Barberton in the 208B van a few times it was certainly not hard to find, CC was very keen on this ‘Britten Norman’ but more keen on leaving, I learned a lot from CC, like how to pack explosives safely and how to get a 172 out of an orchard after your girlfriend brings you fuel

[@ThomasMarrow]

That is correct! The plane has been scrapped, however still has its major components in tact

[@flymachine]

It has since been verified that the airfield and everything on it including the aircraft you accessed is private property - with respect you should have checked your facts before telling the world that it is abandoned, do the right thing here

[@ThomasMarrow]

@@flymachine we were welcomed on to the private airstrip by CC's brother - the airfield is in fact for sale and has been for a few years. This video has brought much attention to the field and could potentially prove fruitful for an interested buyer. As for the Islander, the plane was scrapped some years ago and no longer flies. As for the word "abandoned", I guess this is a subjective and can be perceived in many ways.

[@flymachine]

@@ThomasMarrow you're right, it is all about perception, i'll bow out now I just hope your video doesn't cause misunderstandings in the community. Happy landings

[@beekangkang7150]

To rebuild this airplane, will cost lots of efforts and energy, plane looks good, thanks

[@ThomasMarrow]

It will! Definitely a passionate project

[@ClearedAsFiled]

Thomas.....missing your videos........😮

[@PJHEATERMAN]

I overhaul the cabin heaters. Popular airplane in Europe.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Short hops in this with 6 pax would be ideal

[@dereklord9524]

I flew that very aircraft ZS-LSE (I think) in a previous life.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Nice! She had a Swaziland reg when we saw it

[@mikenortje3023]

@@ThomasMarrow owned CC Pockock (sp) of Bushair

[@ThomasMarrow]

@@mikenortje3023 That's right!

[@justins.1283]

That plane looks worth saving.

[@ThomasMarrow]

It does! Just might cost a few

[@papofanatico]

Hello guys .. so what happens to britten norman islander? .. did u guys bought it & fix it or still @ the same place?

[@mangalbob956]

Bn2b is the military version called defender, has 2 powerful lycoming engines they are build in Bembridge England

[@ThomasMarrow]

Interesting! Didn’t know they had a military version

[@GUCR44]

So cool! I flew in one from San Juan to Calabria.. Check it out. Crazy landing into Calabria!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Awesome!

[@jimdowie2457]

Learned parachute from one of those in the early 70s

[@ThomasMarrow]

Must have been amazing. Did you jump from the back right door?

[@jimdowie2457]

@@ThomasMarrow no, side exit.

[@dmo6696]

Rebuild it !!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Would love to!

[@paulvirginia8788]

Channel Island Air in California still flys these airplanes inter island out of Camarillo Airport.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Awesome! I see that there quite a few that still fly out St Barth’s

[@whomitmayconcern]

Brittain-Norman BN-2 Islander!

[@ThomasMarrow]

That’s it!

[@larrysouthern5098]

Get the log books..do an annual..fil up the tanks..and GO FLYING!!! Git her DONE!!!😃 Do you wach JIMMYS WORLD??? 🐦🐦🐦🐦

[@ThomasMarrow]

He’ll get it done!

[@lukelucas68]

One of my favorite planes in x plane. Smooth, responsive, drops quick when you get slow. Don't know if that's what happens in the real plane. Sounds really nice.

[@ThomasMarrow]

I’m sure it is very similar to the real thing. Very cool plane!

[@anthonycunningham5872]

Britton Norman manufactured both the Islander and the Trislander.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Yep! Just been watching the islanders go into St Barths! Such a performer

[@alanscott196]

Get it running and wash it and go

[@ThomasMarrow]

I wish! It goes with the sale of the airfield, so if you’re interested…

[@TedGiddingsplanes]

123K views 2 years ago As part 2 of our Pyramid Trip in the lowveld, we discover an abandoned twin engine Britten-Norman Islander. This airplane hasn't been used since the early 2000's and has been left to be reclaimed by the bush. …

[@donaldparlett5789]

I have flown a lot worse. Great plane

[@ThomasMarrow]

A few touch ups and we’re off haha!

[@tommynikon2283]

I experienced something similar years ago; the second discovery followed shortly thereafter- I realized I had NO MONEY for the money pit to be.

[@ThomasMarrow]

This is most certainly a deep pit but the depth of the pit is relative. I need to find an investor haha

[@dtsh4451]

Getting it airworthy is not going to be a small feat🤣

[@ThomasMarrow]

Certainly not! 😂

[@ropshubop]

Fun stuff. Crowdfund, anyone?

[@ThomasMarrow]

Let’s do it!

[@nwatty]

Any clues as to what kind of offer they are looking for?

[@ThomasMarrow]

R4.5M

[@smokingspitfire1197]

@@ThomasMarrow Really?? Thats crazy!

[@ThomasMarrow]

@@smokingspitfire1197 Buy it!! Bush flying heaven

[@jamesclarkUndiagnosed]

that has to have been CC Pockock's at some point...

[@ThomasMarrow]

It is still his!

[@jamesclarkUndiagnosed]

@@ThomasMarrow It has to suck for him to sit on the other side of KZbin and watch people go through his plane!

[@milneccpocock5711]

@@jamesclarkUndiagnosed Yes it does! He did not have my permission to land at the Barberton Airport, open the doors of the plane, or produce any monetized youtube video.

[@TheGreylie]

Some nervous moments....there is a reason why nobody has stolen any of the gauges or parts off that aircraft....⚔

[@ThomasMarrow]

Haha maybe!

[@barrywood5357]

Brittain norman

[@ThomasMarrow]

Yep!

[@HeikoRehm]

What time is it again? :):):):)

[@ThomasMarrow]

06:22 haha

[@rustyclam238]

SAVE THAT BIRD!

[@ThomasMarrow]

Would love to!

[@stealhty1]

I saw Rust, this Bird is Finished,wont rise from the ashes anymore

[@ThomasMarrow]

Yep, my thoughts as well!

[@colinelder8603]

made by Britain Norman

[@ThomasMarrow]

Yep!

[@frankfred3411]

Lol dont do it bro not that one remember if it sounds to good to be true it usually is

[@ThomasMarrow]

Haha maybe so!

[@bryanmacphail3861]

Looks like “CC” Pocock’s islander to me.

[@ThomasMarrow]

It is indeed - been scrapped for over 6 years. Apparently the two engines are still good but haven’t been started in 4 years. Could be an interesting project.

[@ianparr5899]

Britten-Norman is manufacturer.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Yep! Interesting airplane

[@bobbyshaftoe]

It clearly belongs to someone... as cool as this vid is... this would piss me off if I were the owner. It is clearly not abandoned. It's tied down at an airport with a tower.. the pad is kept clean where the tie-down is.... not overgrown.

[@ThomasMarrow]

Thanks! I know for sure that the plane is scrapped. Owner has seen the video too. The airfield is privately owned

[@milneccpocock5711]

I am the owner and I am pissed off! No permission to land there or to take videos.

[@ThomasMarrow]

@@milneccpocock5711 Hi CC, I have reached out to Ricky on Facebook and haven't had any response as of yet. Perhaps we could chat on Facebook? Let me know

[@KPalmAir]

@@ThomasMarrow not sure how it works down there but no permission to land at a private airport up here, and landing anyways… is called trespassing. I’m with CC on this one, what gave you the right to go land on his private strip and poke through his airplane for monetization…? If you left your house door unlocked and some stranger let themselves in while you were gone, made a video of all your stuff and posted it on KZbin to make money without you permission, would you be pissed off??? I would, and CC is. Be ready for the trespass charge…

[@ThomasMarrow]

@@KPalmAir Kevin, it hurts to read something like this from you... I had absolutely no malicious or disrespectful intent when visiting Barberton airfield and I sincerely apologise if it came across that way. We were welcomed by CC's brother Ricky when arriving at the field, he offered to give us a tour of the property, gave us permission to look in the plane and also mentioned that many aviators pop in all the time to say hello. Never did I think this video would generate the views it did so monetisation certainly wasn't a priority... I am prepared to have a discussion with the owners and go forward on a more friendly note, whatever that may take... I have made contact and await their response. I'm unsure why you felt the need to make threats. I apologise if I offended you.

[@1silvervespa]

Drug running ......

[@ThomasMarrow]

Haha! Already heard some very interesting stories about this plane

[@cloudstreets1396]

The Piper Navajo Chieftain is a much better choice for drug running. Don’t ask me how I know.

[@adamontario2834]

You buy that that'll be an easy way to go bankrupt you going to spend $200.000 grand getting that thing airworthy not worth it.......................

[@ThomasMarrow]

Definitely lots of work to be done here

[@keithcolvin8063]

Delete the music

[@billw5369]

Trespassing first, hiding your camera from the property manager.... then you go on with more, disparaging, condescending, conceited remarks