The II International Air Race for the Isle of Menorca Trophy went ahead on Sunday in memory of Bruce and Ian Hook the father and son who died in the tragic accident during pre-race air trials at the Aeroclub de Mahón on Saturday morning. The decision to hold the race was made at the express wish of the late pilot's wife, Brenda Hilvert, who felt it would be a fitting tribute to the memory of her husband.
Former RAF pilot Bruce Hook, 63 years, and his son, 26-year old Ian, flew to the island on Friday in their Beech Baron 55 to take part in the international handicapped air race jointly organised by the Royal Aero Club of the U.K. and the Spanish Real Aeroclub. The event was being held over the weekend with races for the Mallorca Trophy on Saturday afternoon and the Menorca Trophy on Sunday.
Crash Investigation
Pre-race trials were held on Saturday morning with the aircraft flying in an octagonal pattern around the Sant Lluís airfield. Shortly after taking off to join the pattern the Beech Baron nosedived into the gound, exploding on impact and killing both occupants. Emergency services on standby at the airfield were quick to respond, but were unable to do anything to help the pilot or his son.
Although it may be several months before the results of the Spanish Civil Aviation Authority's investigations are known, pilots amongst the spectators suggested that the plane banked too steeply, losing lift under one wing and plummeting to the ground.
Bruce Hook was from Worcester and owned the Willpower Garage in Lapworth, West Midlands. His son, who lived in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, and was unmarried but had a girlfriend, also worked at the garage. An experienced pilot, Bruce Hook was a member of the AWA Flying Group at Baginton Airport in Coventry and had previously participated in several air races in Spain.
An autopsy was carried out on the two victims on Monday morning and representatives of the family and the British Consulate are expected to arrive on the island on either Tuesday or Wednesday to take the remains back to the U.K.
Race continues in tribute
Although Saturday's race for the Isle of Mallorca Trophy was abandoned, it was decided, after consulting the victims' family, that Sunday's race would be held "in memory of Bruce and Ian".
Flags at the Aeroclub were flown at half mast as a mark of respect and the competing aircraft staged a flypast prior to the race.
Sixteen aircraft competed for the Isle of Menorca Trophy, flying five circuits over the Aeroclub, the Illa de l'Aire Lighthouse, the Illa del Rei beacon and returning to the airfield. The winner of the race was Robert Calloway-Lewis, with Richard Marsden in second place and Roderick Morton in third.