Crash of Tempest F.2 MW422 August 9th, 1947

[Kurtl12]

Gentlemen,

does anyone have data regarding a Hawker Tempest F.2 MW422 of 26. Sqn that crashed on August 9th, 1947 at Austrian territory? Pilot survived the crash.
Many thanks, K.

[AndyMa]

There is a fair bit of useful information in the 26 Sqn Summary of Events (AIR27/2405):
https://discovery.nationalarchives.g...ils/r/D8419436
It can be downloaded for free if you create an account.
The squadron was at Zeltweg at the time.
The entry for 9.8.47 reads:
"W/O Westwell, while carrying out an air test of "H Harry" experienced undercarriage trouble and, while his wheels were down, and he was just beginning to climb up after a run over the control tower, his engine cut and he was obliged to land in a field before he had time to retract his undercarriage or jettison his long range tanks. Unfortunately, the a/c overturned, and, although it was severely damaged, W/O Westwell was extricated by local Austrian farmers. The civilian ambulance service put up a very good show in bringing him back to camp. He crashed as 1203h, and, at 1218h, he was back at S.H.Q being treated for lacerations of the neck".
So it crashed very close to Zeltweg.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Excellent details Andy

The only snippet I can add was that the post incident investigation showed it
was the No 13 engine cylinder which had failed.

Perhaps the pilot was lucky after all since an undercarriage failure with full fuel
tanks and extra long range ones attached would probably have resulted in a fire...

Cheers
Stig

[Kurtl12]

Gentlemen, I am impressed! Thank you very much for your quick response.
Stig, are you saying you've read the post incident investigation report? Regards, K.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Originally Posted by Kurtl12

Stig, are you saying you've read the post incident investigation report? Regards, K.

Good Grief, no
That was gleaned from a book published by Colin Cummins.

Cheers
Stig