Australian Aviation M
Brian Grinter
Martin Taylor <m...@gofigure.com.au> wrote:
>Hello Brian
>
>While discussing "Australian Aviation M" Brian Grinter said to All
>
> BG> members, and I know one crash landed at Amberley but was repaired. I
> BG> can look it up if you're interested.
>
>Yes please, if you wouldn't mind. I like to see a few urban myths blown out of
>the water. However, it did make for a good story.
>
Ok, it happened on the 19th October, 1970 to aircraft
A69-7234. The left generator dropped off line and the bus tie-in
failed to function properly. The crew decleared "Pan" emergency stated
and returned to base in company with another aircraft. 4 USAD
instructors at Amberley advised this malfuntion affected the brake
anti-skid and nosewheel steering.
A 15 knot crosswind meant they would need to use the runway
arrestor wires (its not just carriers that have them) however upon
engagement the starboard wire drum broke and was dragged along by the
aircraft. This caused the aircraft to yaw to starboard approx. 60
degrees and slide along the runway. Flt Lt Ellis had almost
straightened the aircraft when it ran out of runway, yawed 80 degrees
to port and came to rest 2500ft from the end of the runway.
The aircraft suffered Category 4 damage (repairable at depot
or contractor) and was repaired locally over 11 months, with both
wings, tailplane and nose section being replaced (by Australian
tradesmen with no previous experience on the Phantom). It was the
first time repair of such magnitude was attempted on a Phantom
anywhere in the world.
I have access to a scanner, so I'll scan the photo and post it
to you.
The lost Phantom was A69-7203, which crashed on the night of
16th June,1971 near Evans Head bombing range. Radio contact was lost
at 8.15pm during re-join and wreckage was spotted next morning ten
miles off Evans Head by a trawler.
All bar two Aussie Phantoms were converted to Wild Weasel
F4-Gs after being returned to the USAF, and several RAAF exchange
pilots flew Phantoms in combat over Vietnam.
Hope you find this all of interest.
Brian Grinter
Sydney, Australia
bgri...@onaustralia.com.au
ph 61 2 9622-8970