CA4 WOOMERA TAXIING ACCIDENT
AT FISHERMANS BEND, MELBOURNE
ON 12 NOVEMBER 1942

During early test flights of the prototype CA4 Woomera, the port main undercarriage gear failed to lock down whilst taxiing on 12 November 1942 at Fishermans Bend Airfield in Melbourne. Ken Frewin, the CAC test pilot, feathered the propellers and cut the power to both engines. CAC Design Engineer, Ian Fleming, was a passenger during this test flight. Damage to the aircraft was minimal. After repairs to the propellers, cowling and lower engine cylinders it was flying again by the end of November 1942.

Photo:- Gordon Birkett Collection

CA4 Woomera A23-1001 after its taxiing accident

CA4 Woomera

Fishermans Bend in about 1942-43

The CA4 Woomera was initially known as the Wackett Bomber. The first flight of the Woomera was flown by Flight Lieutenant Boss-Walker on 19 September 1941.

After extensive trials by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) the prototype CA4 Woomera was handed over to the RAAF for handling and performance evaluation in February 1942 and designated A23-1001. The prototype was returned to CAC in December 1942.

The prototype Woomera was involved in another more serious accident on 15 January 1943.

REFERENCE BOOKS

"Wirraway to Hornet - A History of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Pty Ltd"
By Brian L. Hill

History (Movements, Casualties, Etc.) - Wackett Bomber A23-1001

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Gordon Birkett for his assistance with this web page.

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 26 September 1999

This page last updated 03 September 2024