How a Ballito aeroplane landed in the shark exhibit

When Dolphin Coast residents visit the shark exhibition at uShaka Marine World and spot the aeroplane in the aquarium, they can smile knowing this unusual addition is the generous donation from one of their own, a chicken farmer from Ballito.

Nick Lincoln, whose farm is near Rain Farm Game and Lodge, is a pilot who flies “for the love of it.” He owned a six-seater Beachcraft Baron for four years and, to make ends meet, involved the plane in commercial operations.

“Sadly, the aircraft was in an accident in an aborted take-off during a commercial flight and was so damaged it was written off,” said Lincoln.

“Fortunately there were no fatalities. But I was very upset as I was attached to this plane.

“I bought the wreck from the insurers and stripped it down for spares. But the fuselage was twisted beyond repair and there was no use for it.”

Instead of taking it to the scrapyard to rust into oblivion, Lincoln offered it to uShaka Marine World.

“I was approached by Nick Lincoln and asked whether I thought we would be able to utilise his aeroplane as a feature at uShaka Marine World. It only took a few seconds to reply, as I knew immediately it would make a wonderful addition to the Aquariums shipwreck theme,” said director of uShaka Sea World Tony McEwan.

Last week, before the park opened to the public, the six-seater Beechcraft aeroplane was lowered into the Shark exhibit.

Before being lowered into the exhibit, the aeroplane was stripped of its engine and all peripheral pieces before being sprayed with a protective epoxy coating.

The unique undersea theme of the aquarium is internationally acknowledged as one of the most creative of all aquarium themes throughout the world.

“We trust that the aeroplane will be an exciting addition to the aquarium’s unique theming and that the fish in the shark exhibit will enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies,” said McEwan.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.