Warbird Information Exchange

Ron Flockhart and G-ARKD (Mustang A68-005)
I recently discovered a fascinating web site that focuses on motor racing and Australian connected motor racing events, cars and drivers in particular.
Some of the articles cross connect with planes and warbirds as many of the drivers had an interest in both.
A recent post tells the story of Ron Flockhart and his attempt in 1961 to break the solo record between Australia and the UK in CAC Mustang A68-005 registered G-ARKD. The task of completing the flight was optimistically to be fitted in between the end of the Australian/NZ car racing season and his marriage in the UK on March 11. Sadly the attempt only reached as far as Athens where the plane was abandoned with engine troubles probably caused by excessive time on the ground with the engine running.
Read this link for a description of a different time when this sort of attempt could still be made by effectively an amateur aviator with limited experience in the plane type. It seems like he might have made it in the Mustang in time for his wedding if he had dealt with the ground controllers more efficiently.
https://primotipo.com/2018/05/
Even more sadly Lockhart died in April 62 crashing another Mustang in bad weather during preparations for a second attempt.
Can anyone clarify the fate of G-ARKD?
The ADF serial website notes “No details on its fate” but Mustangs Mustangs noted in Aug 2015 that it was owned by Classic Flying Machines and was in storaqe for restoration. If so how much remains?
Thanks for any additional information.

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Chris Mellor

IIRC it was scrapped at Athens following an engine fire. I seem to recall seeing a photo of it looking not very well there some time after the incident.

To answer my own question, there are some references to A68-005 on the Classic Flying Machine Collection website and some of it did apparently escape the scrapper.

Facebook 21/12/16 in response to the question
”how much of A68-5/G-ARKD survived?”
Classic Flying Machine Collection
“apart from this piece (photo of Robertshaw actuator being stripped) and various other internal fittings just severed chunks of fuselage. Appears it had been chopped for smelting but not everything had made it into the furnace (thankfully)”.

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Chris Mellor