CRASH OF A WIRRAWAY
AT TOOWOOMBA AIRFIELD, QLD
ON 28 OCTOBER 1942

Wirraway A20-284 of 5 Squadron RAAF crashed at Toowoomba Airfield in Queensland at 2040 hours on 28 October 1942 after stalling the aircraft too high during a night landing.

Pilot Officer Jack William Herbert Thorncraft (412214) Pilot
Sergeant Harold James Roberts (13737) Wireless Air Gunner

Both men were hurriedly conveyed to the 117th Australian General Hospital at Herries Street, Toowoomba where Sgt Roberts passed away at 9:20pm and Pilot Officer Thorncraft at 10:40pm. Sgt Roberts had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and shock, compound fracture of maxilla and mandible plus a fracture at the base of his skull. Thorncraft suffered cerebral hemorrhage and shock, compound fracture of the skull, compound fracture of the left femur and right tibia, left radius and ulna and a fracture of the right wrist.

The aircraft was written off.

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 18 April 2014

This page last updated 02 February 2020