1960 Viscount weather incident uncontrolled descent from 19,000 ft
On 3 January 1960 an Ansett-ANA Vickers Viscount registration VH-BAT was cruising over Mildura enroute Adelaide to Sydney. The aircraft encountered a downdraft of extraordinary magnitude at 19,000 ft such that the aircraft entered an uncommanded and uncontrolled descent to 7000 ft when control of the aircraft was finally regained.
During the rapid descent the captain stated that the altimeter needle went round so fast that it was a blur and the artificial horizon bar was jammed against the stop.
Although the aircraft was believed to have been inverted for a proportion of the descent, it is not known if any damage to the airframe structure occurred or if any of the cabin crew or passengers were injured
The aircraft made a safe landing with Captain K. Brown and F/O R. McDonald commended for their action in saving the aircraft and all those on board.
An official investigation report on the incident has not yet been found.
A downdraught of such magnitude is frightening. The flight safety ramifications alarming. Does anyone remember that incident or have details of the DCA investigation? .