Two Fairey Fireflys collide over Hare Bay, Jervis Bay, New South Wales on 27 November 1956

TWO FAIREY FIREFLYS COLLIDE
OVER HARE BAY, JERVIS BAY, NSW
ON 27 NOVEMBER 1956

Whilst undergoing navigational training on 27 November 1956, Fairy Firefly VX 381 crashed into Hare Bay within Jervis Bay, in New South Wales after it collided with Fairey Firefly WD 887. The latter aircraft has not been located to this date.

Both aircraft were based at HMAS Albatross. The crew of VX 381 survived the crash however the crew of the missing Firefly WD 887 are still unaccounted for. The missing crew members were Sub-Lieutenant Arthur Arundel, Royal Navy and Midshipman Noel Francis Fogarty, Royal Australian Navy. The two crew who were rescued from VX 381 were Sub-Lieutenant J.D. Eagles, Royal Navy and Midshipman Donald Geoffrey Debus, Royal Australian Navy.

The wreckage of VX 381 was located in 1983 in about 13 metres of water.

Photo:- Mick Tait