2 March 1945 - Crash of a Mosquito at Coomalie Creek airfield

CRASH OF A MOSQUITO
AT COOMALIE CREEK AIRFIELD, NT
ON 2 MARCH 1945

RAAF Mosquito A52-26, from 87 Squadron (Photo Reconnaissance - 87PRS) crashed on landing at Coomalie Creek airfield on 2 March 1945.

The following is from the Aircraft Accident Data cards for Mosquito A52-26:- "A/c touched down in a normal tail down attitude, ran 68 yards swerving slightly to port, then to starboard from the centre of the runway. Correction made with engine & brake & swing to port developed. Corrections again applied but were partially ineffective owing to gravel on surface of runway. A/C crossed strip at angle of 45º increasing to 60º ran into a ditch & slithered up the bank coming to rest 453 yds from touch down. Cause of this accident considered to be due to a single engine, pilot's lack of experience on this type of a/c & lack of flying practice in this area due to Mosquito serviceability of the squadron."

The Mosquito was salvaged and the serviceable components and spares were removed before the airframe was despatched to No. 8 C.R.D. for conversion.

Photo: via Tony Porter