| Accession Number | P02666.003 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Film copy negative |
| Place made | Philippines: Tawitawi Islands, Sanga Sanga |
| Date made | 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
A Beaufighter of No. 22 Squadron RAAF, serial A8-55 (DU-K), belches black smoke and flames. Pilot ...
Description
A Beaufighter of No. 22 Squadron RAAF, serial A8-55 (DU-K), belches black smoke and flames. Pilot Ralph Ind and navigator Roger Blunt were lucky to escape from this aircraft which had crashed on take off. The pilot lost power in the starboard engine just as the tail lifted off and the aircraft swung around to starboard, demolishing three Kittyhawk aircraft in the process. The crash loosened two 500 lb bombs which slid across the tarmac which was awash with petrol. 'Darkie' Paull, another squadron member who was watching the take off, rushed over to help as the hatch had jammed and the pilot was unable to get out. Eventually Blunt and Paull released Ind and all three ran from the now burning aircraft. (Donor A. Miller)