CRASH OF P-40E KITTYHAWK
AT DUNREATH AIRFIELD, WA
ON 16 APRIL 1942

P-40E Kittyhawk A29-58 of 77 Squadron RAAF, piloted by Flight Lieutenant D. M. Sproule, was on its initial run for take off at Dunreath Airfield in Western Australia on 16 April 1942, when it encountered heavy sand which caused the aircraft to tip forward on its air screw and engine, causing the undercarriage to collapse.

The reduction gear casing was damaged beyond repair. The airscrew was extensively damaged and the undercarriage and belly part of the mainplane was moderately damaged. It was unclear immediately after the accident, the extent of damage to the undercarriage.

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

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This page first produced 19 February 2017

This page last updated 03 February 2020