Air Force heritage aircraft flypast commemorates aircraft crash 80 years on

An Air Force heritage aircraft from No.100 Squadron (100SQN) will flypast Pt Addis Anglesea to commemorate 80 years since an Air Force Mitchell bomber aircraft crashed into the sea.

Media note

A CAC Winjeel from the heritage fleet operated by No. 100 Squadron will conduct a flypast to commemorate 80 years since the aircraft crashed. A monument erected in 2002 now stands near where the aircraft came down in the sea near Pt Addis on 11 Dec 1944. The fatal crash took three lives of the five crew members on board.

The Mitchell bomber flew from RAAF Base Williams at Laverton to Torquay for operational testing. During the exercise the aircraft caught fire, lost height and dropped into the ocean. 

Observers and local fishermen launched a search and rescue mission, discovering two men in a dinghy, they assisted the men back to shore for medical attention. The remaining three crew members were never found. 

Flying is subject to variables including air traffic control requirements, weather, and operational availability. As such, flypasts and displays may be cancelled at short notice.

Noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military flying. Information on aircraft noise and current flying activities is available at www.defence.gov.au/aircraftnoise or by calling 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).

Further information about 100SQN aircraft visit: Air Force Heritage Aircraft Fleet

Media Contacts 

Robert Hogan
Regional Manager Public Affairs VIC
0477 706 009

Anna Maria Kendrick
0428 394 935

Defence Media
media@defence.gov.au

For more information, visit the Defence Aircraft Noise website or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).