Wreck of 272 Sqn Beaufighter, off St Julien, Malta
PPRuNers,
Last week I was Holidaying and Diving in Malta. Lovely time had by all, but the reason for my post, is that I dived on a wrecked Bristol Beaufighter. The aircraft in question ditched due to severe engine vibrations 10 minutes after take off from RAF Luqa on 17 March 1943 (as part of a 272 Sqn 9 ship 'Escort' mission for 9 Beauforts of 39 Sqn).
However, although I have researched the flight, and it's outcome: Both pilot and navigator got out, and were picked up by local Maltese fishermen. What surprised me as I saw the wreck, was that the Landing Gear is down.
The official report, made by the pilot, also indicates that he chose to ditch without using Flap, but does not mention anything about lowering the gear.
So, being a life long 'Jet Jockey' I have two questions, which I hope I may get help with here:
1. Why would you lower gear to ditch in an aircraft like a Beaufighter, would it not be more likely to 'End Over' ?
2. Why choose not to use Flap to reduce touch down speed to the minimum?
Any thoughts or comments from anyone in the know would be great.
Thanks in advance,
Advo