Campbell's Bluebird back on Coniston Water almost 60 years after fatal record attempt

Campbell's Bluebird back on Coniston Water23 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleGetty ImagesSpray shot into the air as the jet engine was startedDonald Campbell's restored Bluebird craft has been fired up on Coniston Water for the first time since the daredevil pilot's fatal crash on the lake almost 60 years ago.He had been attempting to push his world speed record past 300mph (480km/h) when the jet-engined hydroplane, called K7, somersaulted on 4 January 1967.Its mangled wreckage was recovered in 2001 with the craft handed to Coniston's Ruskin Museum two years ago following the settlement of an ownership row with Bill Smith, the engineer who led its rebuild.Campbell's daughter Gina said she was "blown away" to see it running on the lake once more.In total, Campbell set seven water speed world records piloting Bluebird, including four on Coniston Water, between 1955 and 1964.He achieved a further world best on land in 1964 - becoming the only man to set fastest times on water and land in the same year.At about 14:15 BST, the restored craft was lowered into the water ahead of safety checks on the first day of a week-long event which is set to see several runs at up to 150mph (240km/h).About 90 minutes later the jet engines were fired up.'Tear in my eye'Gina Campbell said: "To see it and hear it… I never thought I'd live to see the day."It's thanks to so many people. It's just been amazing. For once, I'm speechless."Speaking from the water's edge as Bluebird was moved into position, Donald's nephew Don Wales said: "What a day. To see the boat on the lake again, it's utterly magnificent."You can feel the love and the warmth of people here wanting to see it. "We've got a few thousand people here today, it's glorious at Coniston."As soon as it touched the water, there was a tear in my eye. It really was quite a moment and the minute'...