H Bertram – Aviation Historical Society of Australia

DerekB03/06/202306/06/2023

Aviation Heritage Vol. 54 No. 2 (June 2023) Contents Listing

The latest quarterly AHSA journal - Aviation Heritage - has recently been posted to members. The contents of all articles are listed below: Aviation...

1934 While competing in the Speed and Handicap sections of the MacRobertson International Air Races from London to Melbourne, Mr. James "Jimmy" Woods and Flying-Officer Don C. Bennett, representing Australia, were forced to withdraw when the undercarriage of their Lockhead Vega G-ABGK collapsed and the aircraft overturned on landing at Alleppo, Syria on 21 October 1934. Source: Aviation Heritage Vol 24 Nos 1 & 2, 1984

1980 Cessna 182P VH-TTK crashed 2km northwest of Come-By-Chance, NSW on 21 October 1980. The operator had received approval to carry out certain low level operations, including power line inspections, during nominated periods of emergency. The approval was subject to a number of conditions, which included requirements that such flights be authorised by the State Emergency Services and that only persons essential to the operation be carried. As suitably qualified commercial pilots were not normally available, two private pilot members of the aero club who had more than 1000 hours flying experience had been specifically approved to conduct these flights. Before receiving this approval, the pilots had been required to complete specialised low flying training and testing. The procedure used in conducting power line inspection flights was to fly at approximately 200 feet above ground level, maintaining about 90 knots airspeed with one or two stages of flap lowered and with the aircraft tracking left of the line to assist inspection by the observer in the right seat. The aircraft struck the spur line with its propeller and nose gear. The line did not break and the aircraft was pitched vertically to the ground. Examination of the wreckage found no evidence of mechanical defect or malfunction which might have contributed to the accident. There were three fatalities. Sources: ATSB investigation 198001386; aviation-safety.net website