Operation: Air to air firing practice
Date: 07 February 1942 (Saturday)
Unit: No. 247 Squadron (motto: 'Rise from the East')
Type: Hurricane Iic
Serial: BN220
Code: HP-?
Base: RAF Predannack
Location: At airfield
Pilot: Fl/Sgt. Norman Walter Ross Wood Aus/402178 RAAF Age 21. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
After taking off at 16:05 hrs the aircraft was seen to attempt a climbing roll - the pilot was seen to pull out of a dive at a low height and then roll onto its back at around 500 ft. He was seen to climb on his back. At around 1000 ft he flicked the aircraft into a spin and showed no signs of a recovery.
Weather at the time was clear with 12 miles visibility and could not be a reason the pilot becoming confused. After all the pre-flight inspection forms it was reported that the aircraft was fully serviceable and the reason for the accident was disregard to flying regulations. The Commanding Officer stopped all leave for squadron personnel for the remainder of the month to impress as to the seriousness of keeping to flying regulations.
A Court of Inquiry found that : 'The accident was an error of judgement by the Pilot in attempting to execute a roll at high speed and at such a height as to make recovery impossible'.
Burial details:
Funeral held on the 11th February 1943 at 11:00 hrs.
Fl/Sgt. Norman Walter Ross Wood. Landewednack Churchyard (St. Winwallow). S.W. side. Grave 118. Born on the 15th February 1920 at St. Peters New South Wales. Accountant prior to service. Enlisted on the 24th June 1940 at Sydney. Son of Eric Harold and Myra Edith Wood, of Coogee, New South Wales, Australia. 266 solo flying hours logged.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to National Archives Australia, NAA, other sources as quoted below:
KTY 10-03-2021
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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