FORCED LANDING OF A WOOMERA
AT FISHERMEN'S BEND, MELBOURNE
IN NOVEMBER 1941

visits since 6 February 2003

During early test flights of the prototype CA4 Woomera, the port main undercarriage gear failed to lock down during a test flight in November 1941. Ken Frewin, the CAC test pilot, feathered the propellers and cut the power to both engines and made a belly landing at Fishermen's Bend, in Melbourne. CAC Design Engineer, Ian Fleming, was a passenger during this test flight. Damage to the aircraft was minimal. After repairs to the propellers, cowling and lower engine cylinders it was flying again by the end of November.

CA4 Woomera

Fishermen's Bend in about 1942-43

The CA4 Woomera was initially known as the Wackett Bomber. The first flight of the Woomera was flown by Flight Lieutenant Boss-Walker on 19 September 1941.

After extensive trials by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) the prototype CA4 Woomera was handed over to the RAAF for handling and performance evaluation in February 1942 and designated A23-1001. The prototype was returned to CAC in December 1942.

The prototype Woomera was involved in another more serious accident on 15 January 1943.

REFERENCE BOOKS

"Wirraway to Hornet - A History of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Pty Ltd"
By Brian L. Hill

Search WWW Search "Australia @ War"

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This page first produced 26 September 1999

This page last updated 06 February 2003