On 18 August 1942, P-40E Kittyhawk A29-55 of 77 Squadron RAAF, piloted by Sergeant J. A. S. Allen (914547) RAF crash landed at Alice Springs Airfield in the Northern Territory. Whilst landing, some 50 yards after touch down, the starboard wheel apparently seized which caused the aircraft to swing to the right. The port leg collapsed and the aircraft skidded for about 20 yards. The pilot switched off the engine to prevent serious damage. The pilot sustained a jarred left leg muscle.

After the crash the aircraft was repaired by the 43rd Materiel Squadron. It was test flown by Clive Winter-Irving firstly on the 22 September 1942, for a second time on the 23 September, and a final test flight on the same day, where it was passed as 'okay' and was used to 'buzz' Alice Springs. Clive flew A29-55 to Batchelor on the 24 September 1942 with a cargo of whisky and eggs.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Peter May for his assistance with this web page.