COLLISION OF TWO WIRRAWAYS
AT ARCHERFIELD AIRFIELD,
BRISBANE, QLD
ON 3 AUGUST 1940

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Wirraway

 

At 1125 hours on Saturday 3 August 1940, Wirraway A20-14 collided with Wirraway A20-12 after landing at Archerfield Airfield, west of Brisbane, Queensland. The collision caused Wirraway A20-12 to overturn on its nose and bend its propeller. Both Wirraways were attached to 23 Squadron RAAF. Wirraway A20-14 landed in the opposite direction to A20-12.

The crew for both aircraft was as follows. On one was injured in this accident.

A20-14         Squadron Leader F.A. Wittschiebe
                     Pilot Officer L.D. McKenzie

A20-12         Flying Officer J.C. Black (flying solo)

The starboard wing tip on A20-14 was damaged. The starboard wing tip, rudder fin, airscrew, and cockpit enclosure were damaged on A20-12.

 

Courier-Mail, Monday, 5th August 1940, page 5

R.A.A.F. Planes Collide

When two Wirraway planes of the Royal Australian Air Force collided at Archerfield on Saturday, one turned over on its nose and bent its airscrew.

A wing tip of the other plane was damaged. No member of either crew was injured, and engines and equipment were not impaired. The collision occurred on the ground, probably as the result of a misunderstanding, according to a statement issued by the central area of the R.A.A.F., Sydney.

 

Townsville Daily Bulletin, Monday 5 August 1940, page 5

WIRRAWAYS DAMAGED.

Collision at Archerfield. BRISBANE, August 4.

Two Wirraway 'planes of the Royal Australian Air Force were damaged in a collision at Archerfleld airport yesterday morning, but none of the crews was injured. The collision occurred on the ground, probably as the result of a misunderstanding, according to a statement issued last night by Central Area of the R.A.A.F., Sydney. One machine turned over on its nose and bent its airscrew. The other 'plane damaged a wing tip. The engines and equipment were not harmed. Both 'planes are expected to be out of service for a fortnight. Aircraftsmen hurried to the scene immediately after the accident and rendered assistance. The 'planes were two of eight inspected by the Prime Minister (Mr. Menzies) and members of the War Cabinet at Archerfield on Thursday.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Graham Clayton for his assistance with this web page.

 

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

 

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