CRASH OF A SIKORSKY KINGFISHER
IN PANTALOON BAY, LAKE MACQUARIE, NSW
ON 4 DECEMBER 1943

RAAF Sikorsky Kingfisher, A48-7, of 107 Squadron RAAF, piloted by Pilot Officer Kenneth James Dusting (427591) flipped over and sank during a forced landing in Pantaloon Bay, Lake Macquarie, New South Wales at 1300 hours E.A.S.T. on 4 December 1943. Dusting's navigator on this flight was Pilot Officer Richard Charles Crebbin (423656). Both crew members were uninjured. The control column jammed immediately after take off when the pilot attempted to lower the nose after leaving the water. With two hands the pilot managed to force the stick forward. The aircraft hit the water with its port wing down and lost its port float and overturned.

The aircraft was towed back back to the slipway. The aircraft was handed over to the salvage unit and dragged up the slipway on 6 December 1943. Due to extensive salt water damage the aircraft was written off and used for component parts.

REFERENCE BOOKS

Newton, John, "RAAF Rathmines", 1977.

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This page first produced 23 January 2001

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