Forced landing of a Vultee Vengeance at Ceduna Airfield in South Australia on 23 November 1944

FORCED LANDING OF A VULTEE VENGEANCE
AT CEDUNA AIRFIELD, SA
ON 23 NOVEMBER 1944

Vultee Vengeance A27-507 was being flight tested by Flight Lieutenant Peter Alan Hislop Wright (401) at Ceduna Airfield in South Australia on 23 November 1944 after an engine change. A partial engine failure occurred when the aircraft was almost airborne during takeoff. The pilot had sufficient power to achieve 120 mph and fly to a position crosswind to the airfield. The pilot then realised he could not make a complete circuit and attempted a crosswind landing. He did not have sufficient height and speed for a normal approach and the aircraft stalled at about 5 feet from the deck. The heavy landing collapsed the port undercarriage leg.

The apparent cause of the engine failure was excessive oiling up. The engine was allotted to No. 5 Aircraft Depot 5 A.D. for examination.

Elaine Probert's father “proceeded on temporary duty to Ceduna by road on 26/11/1944. Returned by road at 1700 hours 5/12/1944. Duty – recovery crashed aircraft 5 CRD”. No 5 Central Recovery Depot was based at Port Pirie at that time.

5 CRD salvaged Vultee Vengeance at Ceduna on 30 November 1944. AMSE approved its conversion to components on 25 December 1944. It was Struck Off Charge on 19 December 1944.

Photo:- via Eliane Probert