SPITFIRE P7540 (LOCH DOON)
On the 25th Oct, 1941, Spitfire P7540 crashed into Loch Doon. The aircraft and pilot of 312 (Czech) Squadron was on a training flight from RAF Ayr and while flying very low over the water, the pilot started to bank the aircraft when a wing touched the surface of the Loch and crashed. A search by the RAF at the time came to nothing, and neither the pilot or the aircraft were found. The search for the aircraft was resumed in 1977 and recovered by the Museum with the help of the Dumfries Sub-Aqua Club and other affiliated clubs. (See links page for full story) this is currently being restored. Other exhibits relating to this aircraft can be seen elsewhere in the Museum. As the wings were badly damaged in the crash, it has been necessary to purchase replica wings which will eventually be fitted to the fuselage in order to complete the aircraft.
To visit the website of Dumfries sub-aqua club who helped the recovery of this aircraft from Loch Doon, click here.