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Vobster's aircraft in better times - photograph by Fred Seggie
A diver swims thru the front of the aircraft towards the cockpit.
Many of the flight controls are still in place inside the aircraft cockpit.
The centre section provides added interest for deep diver training.
Lying in just 12m, the cockpit has to be on your 'must see' list!
All three aircraft sections offer safe penetration with easy exits.
Hawker Siddley Aircraft
26m-12m
Finning along near the Crushing Works at a depth of 12m, you could be
forgiven for questioning your eyesight as a most unexpected sight comes
into view. Lying in three sections at various points around the lake,
you'll find the wreck of a Hawker Siddley HS-748 aircraft. Donated by
Exeter Airport, the HS-748 (designation G-AVXJ) was a 58-seat twin prop
aircraft that served with the Civil Aviation Authority carring out
flight calibration work until the late 1990s.
Vobster's latest diving attraction took its place in the lake with the invaluable assistance of the Royal Engineers
of the British Army. Split into three sections lying at various depths
between 12m and 26m, the aircraft wreck offers divers of all experience
levels an exciting diving opportunity that's not to be missed.
The
cockpit and tail sections can be found lying close together on the 12m
plateau near the crushing works and shallow training platforms whilst
the centre section lies in deeper water near the 20m training platform
and pump works. For visitors to the 9 and 6m training platforms, the
cockpit section provides a pleasant and interesting detour for trainee
and visiting divers alike.
For
those with overhead environment training, all sections of the wreck
provide considerable potential for penetration - you can swim up
through all three sections of the fuselage exploring the banks of
aviation equipment still in situ. In particular, watch out for the
cockpit which still has many of its flight controls in place. And, of
course, don't forget to visit the crew toilet with latrine still in
place - just in case you do happen to get caught short during your
dive...
