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Old 30th Jan 2022, 07:07
  #17 (permalink)  
lauriebe
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Age: 78
Posts: 262
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Interesting photo. Pity there is no code visible on the vertical tail surface. That would help narrow the search down.

The style of dress worn by the deck crew would seem to indicate summertime in the northern hemisphere or the tropics. ‘Chiefy’, visible between the prop blades, has a white top on his cap and what appears to be an officer, just in front of him, looks to be in shirt sleeve order.

The aircraft code on the u/c door mentioned in post #10 might not be a code. I think it could be a handle on a piece of equipment being carried by one of the deck crew standing there.

Of the three accidents mentioned in post #16, it is unlikely to be any of those. The 7 June 52 accident happened on the airfield at Culdrose when the stbd wing folded on take off and the aircraft, VW710, rolled and skidded upside down along the runway.

The incident involving VW711 on 31 March 52 occurred when the aircraft was en route from Vengance to Lee. Engine trouble meant the aircraft force landed. I cannot find a location but would think it unlikely to be the aircraft in the OP’s photo.

The last accident referred to involving VW718, happened near Crail airfield. The aircraft had been practicing RP attacks on the airfield when it came down a short distance to the NNW of the field.

Several other Sea Furies had barrier engagements. Those were:

VW713, serving with 807 NAS aboard HMS Theseus. On 23 March 51, suffered partial engine failure, and caught No.9 wire in an emergency landing with the prop going into the barrier. I believe the ship was at that time in Far Eastern waters.

VW714, served with both 736 and 738 NASs. In July 52, whilst with 736, it caught the No.10 wire and went into the barrier onboard HMS Illustrious. On 4 February 53, the same aircraft, whilst with 738 NAS, bounced on landing and went into the barrier onboard HMS Triumph. Both incidents appear to have been in UK waters.

Lastly, VW717. When with 738 NAS, this aircraft had two barrier engagements in a short space of time. Firstly, on 30 September 53 and then, again, on 30 October 53. Both incidents occurred onboard HMS Triumph in, I think, UK waters.

All info above taken from the excellent Air-Britain book FAA Fixed Wing Aircraft since 1946.
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