Crash of a Corsair approx 100 yards from Flat-top Island off the coast near Mackay, Queensland on 11 September 1945

CRASH OF A CORSAIR
APPROX. 100 YARDS FROM FLAT-TOP ISLAND
OFF THE COAST NEAR MACKAY, QLD
ON 11 SEPTEMBER 1945

Four Royal Navy Corsairs arrived over Mackay Airfield at approximately 0945 hours on 11 September 1945. Three of the Corsairs landed successfully at Mackay Airfield. The fourth Corsair was unable to land due to a failure of the hydraulic system. Because of the hydraulic failure, the pilot, Sub Lieutenant William Hardy, was unable to lower his undercarriage. He was also unable to release his belly tank, which meant he was unable to perform a crash landing at Mackay Airfield. Ambulance, fire and crash parties were on standby at Mackay Airfield.

The pilot decided to fly the Corsair out to sea off Mackay where he abandoned the aircraft and parachuted into the sea. The Corsair crashed into the sea approximately 100 yards from Flat-top Island off Mackay. Several hundred people had gathered on the beach near Mackay facing Flat-top Island to watch the crash landing and subsequent rescue.

The pilot was picked up by Mr. S.C Garvey and Mr. R.W. Cooper in the Harbour-master's launch "Effie".