CRASH OF A P-40E KITTYHAWK
AT CAMDEN AIRFIELD, NSW
ON 27 FEBRUARY 1942

On 27 February 1942, a USAAF P-40E Kittyhawk, piloted by 2nd Lieutenant James H. Archibald, crashed at Camden Airfield in New South Wales. The records show the cause of the crash as "Lacking off after attempting high speed landing" and the nature of the crash as "Crashed into duty pilot - car & hangar". The Type of Damage was described as "Engine may be salvaged".

The pilot was apparently attempting a high speed landing without flaps. Sergeant Clarie White, RAAF, suffered two broken ribs and severe lacerations when the P-40 hit the duty tower at Camden. Lt. Archibald was uninjured.

Photo:- Gordon Birkett Collection

P-40E Kittyhawk after the crash

REFERENCE

Document prepared by 1st Lt. Elmore G. Brown, titled:-

"Headquarters, USA Air Forces in Australia
A-4. Aircraft Movements Status & Statistics Section
Location and Status of Damaged Aircraft in Australia"

Historical Record, 49th Ftr Gp, Chap I, Sec II

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I'd like to thank Yvonne Kinkaid, Gordon Birkett, and Chris Jamesson for their assistance with this page.

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

Does anyone know the aircraft serial number?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 9 June 2001

This page last updated 27 January 2020