The following story and pictures were contributed by Gerry Ayre, (gerry.ayre@surfer.co.nz),
a former member of 5 Squadron.
On take off we hit a Coral Head. A large submerged mushroom shaped coral growth just under the surface. No-one knew it was there...I did not know...did you know...It took a hundred years to grow and it was in
the take off path...???...surely someone knew? The Captain did not know.
Click on thumbnails for full size image
The aircraft wedged itself right on top of the coral head. The bottom was torn out, water filled to about waste deep. We were firmly wedged for eternity. From the photo you may just make out the water level just above the entrance door. This photo must be unique.
Over the next few days the locals and crew dived under the hull and chipped away at the coral with machetes. There were dozens of locals. Eventually a "V" was chopped in the coral. Attempts to seal the gashes in the hull were made with canvas and what-have-you. Finally the aircraft moved. The engines were started. The Captain applied full power, the aircraft cleared the coral head and rammed it (the aircraft) onto the nearest beach.
The hull gashes were eventually filled with concrete and the aircraft flown home to
Lauthala Bay.
RNZAF CRUMP NANCOLLAS SERVICE MOTAT FIJI UNION ISLANDS GUAM JOYITA FOF SELETAR VANUATU WRECKS REICHELT LINKS
