Australian aviation history digital archive

DerekB30/11/202223/11/2024

In its mission to preserve and promote Australia’s aviation heritage, the AHSA hosts the following digital archives. Click on the image to go to the selected archive.

CAC Factory Reports 1937 – 1943

1988 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo VH-DAP crashed into the sea 52km east of Stanwell Park, NSW on 1 November 1988. The aircraft, which had been modified with the installation of an air driven winch for the purpose of towing gunnery targets, was instructed to commence carrying out naval gunnery tracking runs at an altitude of 1000 feet with the sleeve target not deployed. Between 1720 and 1735 hours, the aircraft carried out two such runs from the west and east. The aircraft then headed south, away from the ship, to a distance of about 10km. At about 1738, the aircraft was instructed to turn inbound for a run from astern. About one minute later, the pilot reported engine problems and about one minute later advised "I've got problems, Mayday, I'm going in". Crewmen stationed near the stern of the ship, reported seeing the aircraft impact the sea. The warship was immediately turned back towards the crash position. Other warships and aircraft were also ordered to the crash position. The only wreckage sighted was believed to be a section of one of the wings, which sank before it could be recovered. The aircraft and the three occupants on board were never found. Source: ATSB (BASI) investigation report AAIR198802404; aviation-safety.net website

2000 CASA Director Mr Mick Toller came in for continued media criticism over breaching air laws during personal flights. He received counselling about the incidents but remained in his position. The CASA Chair, Dr Paul Scully-Power also came under scrutiny over his incorrectly alleged status as a fighter pilot and astronaut. He was a private pilot and payload scientist. Source: Canberra Times, 1 November 2000. via aph.gov.au website

2000 A China Eastern Airlines Airbus A340-300, with a hydraulic leak, skidded off a runway while landing at Sydney Airport on 1 November 2000. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 2 November 2000. via aph.gov.au website

2004 The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) promulgated a new policy on 1 November 2004 placing its greatest safety focus on high capacity regular passenger transport flights. Source: CASA Regulatory Policy – CEO-PN001-2004, CASA's Industry Sector Priorities, via aph.gov.au website