Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 11 October 1944
Aircraft Type: Short S.23 Empire Flying Boat Mk I
Owner/operator: Qantas
Registration Number: VH-ABB
Location: Sydney Harbour-Rose Bay SPB, NSW (RSE) –
ÿ Australia
Phase of Flight: Landing
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 29
Component Affected: Electric flap motorElectric flap motor
Category: Accident
A electric flap motor failure shortly after takeoff from Rose Bay, Sydney, resulted in the retraction of starboard wing flaps. Following an oil pressure drop and a side slip maneuver, the flying boat stalled, leading to significant hull damage and a passenger drowning. The incident highlights a critical failure of the aircraft’s control system.A electric flap motor failure shortly after takeoff from Rose Bay, Sydney, resulted in the retraction of starboard wing flaps. Following an oil pressure drop and a side slip maneuver, the flying boat stalled, leading to significant hull damage and a passenger drowning. The incident highlights a critical failure of the aircraft’s control system.
Description
Shortly after takeoff from Rose Bay, Sydney the electric flap motor failed and the wing flaps were retracted by hand. Twenty minutes into the flight oil pressure on starboard inner engine fell below normal levels and the captain decided to return to Rose Bay. On approach the flying boat stalled after completing a side slip manoeuvre. The impact caused a major failure of the hull which allowed extensive break-up of the fuselage. One passenger drowned.
Source of Information
http://www.aussieairliners.org/shortfb/vh-abb/vhabb.htmlhttp://www.aussieairliners.org/shortfb/vh-abb/vhabb.htmlPrimary Cause
Electric flap motor failure and subsequent control system malfunction during a side slip maneuver.Electric flap motor failure and subsequent control system malfunction during a side slip maneuver.Share on:
