Warbirds

Gannet Wreckage Recovered

Recently, the wreckage of a RAN Gannet was accidentally recovered from a depth of 535 fathoms after 18 years on the seabed. On February 2, 1965 the Fairey Gannet ditched about 20 miles south-east of Kiama, NSW when the engine failed soon after takeoff from the Carrier HMAS Melbourne. The pilot, Lieutenant David Farthing and his two crewmen escaped unhurt and were soon rescued by a Wessex helicopter.

The wreckage, part of a wing flap and bomb bay doors, became ensnared in the net of a NSW Fisheries Department research vessel. The wreckage will eventually go on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at HMAS Albatross base near Nowra, NSW.

DC-2 ‘Uiver’ Rescued

While returning to Amsterdam after re-enacting the 1934 MacRobertson air race from London to Melbourne the DC-2 ‘Uiver’ PH-AJU/NC39165 developed engine trouble at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In order to get the aircraft back in the air the Douglas Aircraft Company had a rebuilt engine flown out from the USA to the stranded DC-2 for an engine change. The rebuilt engine belongs to the Douglas Historical Foundation, which is in the process of renovating another DC-2 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the aircraft Ofl May 11, 1934.

Museum News

The Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, Wings of Yesterday, has been bought by the Queensland Government for inclusion in a new State Transport Museum. Currently situated at Tallebudgera, the Museum is expected to move to a new site. The Drage Historical Aircraft Museum at Wodonga, Victoria has been bought by a consortium at Wangaratta, Victoria. The collection will be moved to Wangaratta as soon as a new airport and museum complex are completed, in late 1984. Under the takeover, Joe Drage will stay on as Museum Manager. Other interested but unsuccessful parties that expressed strong interest in buying the museum were the Queensland and Federal Governments.

It has been reported that the Ken Orrman Air Museum, which was planned to be developed adjacent to the airport at Tyabb, Vic. is now to be sited at Rosebud, Vic. Currently, the collection is in storage at Shepparton, Vic.

Former Army Cessna

Winner of the Best Ex-military Aircraft award at the recent MangaloreFly-In was former Army Cessna 180A, VH-TVC. Based at Lilydale, Victoria, the Cessna has been faithfully restored to its old Army Olive drab colour scheme and markings as s/n A98-336. Flown by Dave Whiter and associates, the machine was specially prepared and presented to ensure it won an award at the Fly-In. The Cessna saw service in Vietnam where, although denied by official sources, it is reported to have sunk a barge using an underwing rocket. The aircraft will be a display item at the Army Airshow at Oakey, Queensland, later this year.

Change of Owner

Harvard T-6 VH-NVH, formerly NZ1056, has been bought from Alec Encel of Melbourne by Alan Pay of Falls Creek, Vic. The aircraft will be Albury-based. Ken Orrmanhas his T-6, NZ1023, on the market at $27,000 with a time ex. engine.

Maurice Rolf, Chief Engineer of the RVAC, has obtained DH89 Rapide G-AJSL with a view to rebuilding it. The Rapide was imported some years ago in an unairworthy state. Maurice bought the machine from the wife of the late Ron Bloss of Melbourne, Victoria.

Imports

Noted Warbird pilot and enthusiast, Col Pay of Scone, NSW recently went to the USA to obtain a Corsair fighter. Col didn’t get a corsair but instead obtained a North American T-6 Harvard and Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk. The Kittyhawk, a rare type these days, needs some work done to it but is basically complete. Another P-40E is being rebuilt by Nelson Wilson at Wandin, Victoria. As Warbirds column went to press it was reported that Guido Zuccoli of Darwin had purchased a Fiat G. 59 two seat fighter trainer in Europe and that it was being shipped to Australia. The G. 59 was a Merlin-engined aircraft not unlike a two-seat Spitfire with a constant chord wing. One hundred and seventy-five of the type were produced in the late forties and early fifties.

Luscombe News

The first Luscombe to fly in Australia, a model 8A Silvaire, VH-LUS, made its first flight on February 5 flying under ANR 108(A). Originally the Luscombe was brought from Canada in late 1981 by its owner, a helicopter pilot who was later killed in an accident. The machine was bought by Ray Adams of Coldstream, Victoria, who rebuilt it to such a good standard that it won the Best Antique award at the Mangalore Fly-In. A second Luscombe, to become VH-HHQ, arrived in Sydney in early March. Owned by recently retired Cathay Pacific Airlines Captain, Arthur Rooney, this aircraft was based in Hong Kong and will soon be joining its owner at his new residence at Dianella, West Australia.

Snippets

• A recent advert – For sale, coming to Australia in mid 1984, Max Holste MH1521 Broussard, G-BKPT. Coming from the UK, the Broussard has some 500 hours to run on the 450 hp Pratt and Whitney R985 engine and if sold comes complete with a bottle of French Champagne! Some 335 of the twin-tailed type were manufactured between 1952 and 1959 as a French Military equivalent of the DHC-2 Beaver. If interested call (062) 49 4211.

• DH82 Tiger Moth, VH-SGC, has been purchased with the proceeds of the Pt Cook RAAF Base Fly-In, held late last year, and will be restored to RAAF colours and flown as part of the RAAF Museum Flight at Pt Cook.

• Col Pay’s Spitfire, MV239, currently under restoration at Scone, NSW is reported to be close to complete and should be finished in time to be displayed at the September Scone Airshow