Engine failure could mean Vulcan is grounded during Jubilee celebrations

Witnesses said that there were explosions as smoke billowed out of the restored aircraft, XH558, and debris was left on the runway.

It is now unclear as to whether the bomber will be able to take part in its scheduled programme of Jubilee flights.

Vulcan enthusiast Maurice Long, who had gone along to watch the test flight yesterday afternoon, said: “It got to the end of the runway and then you couldn’t see anything but smoke coming out of the back end.

“There was a flashing and explosions, two bangs, and then they cut the engines.”

Fire engines were called to the scene and the troubled Vulcan was held on the runway for about an hour and a half while initial checks were carried out.

A spokesman for the Vulcan to the Sky group, which raised the money to buy and restore the Cold War bomber, said: “XH558 was scheduled to take off at noon on May 28 for a crew currency and display training flight.

“Just after the start of the take-off roll, she experienced problems with two of her Olympus engines.

“The crew immediately shut all engines down and everyone is safe.

“At this stage, we don’t have any further information but we will keep supporters informed.

“Unfortunately, this means that she will not be able to fly for at least two weeks, although we will not know exactly how long rectification will take until the problem has been thoroughly investigated.”

The runway at Robin Hood Airport had to be closed while checks were carried out on the stricken plane, meaning that holiday flights had to be diverted.

A spokesman for Robin Hood Airport said: “Unfortunately two flights due to arrive at the airport at this time from Ibiza and Mahon were diverted to Manchester and East Midlands Airports respectively.

“However, these aircraft positioned back to Doncaster Sheffield Airport shortly after the runway reopened, minimising disruption to passengers.”

Running costs of the Vulcan, which was bought and restored by the Vulcan to the Sky trust, are around £2m a year.

Built in 1960, the aircraft flew for the first time in August 1952, so marks its own Diamond Jubilee this year.