Test flying the Winjeel in 1951

[Centaurus]

not having flown the Winjeel I can't vouch for it but again was of the understanding that they could drop a wing fairly well during the stall

The Winjeel was a lady in a standard wings level straight stall from level flight. Not like the Wirraway which could drop a wing quite viciously. But most aircraft will eventually have one wing drop at the stall if pulled into a steep turn at low airspeed. Especially if the turn is not balanced. The Winjeel was no exception.

[W_Wright]

Thank you, thank you, thank you Centaurus for your confirmation of the Uranquinty incident.
As a student at FTS in the early seventies one of the instructors mentioned this story and I assumed it was at Point Cook. Nevertheless, years later I used to repeat the story to my students and others as an example of what stress can do to a person. Unfortunately some were quite sceptical so I am relieved that what I told them was more or less correct.
I retired recently so now I can rest easy!
A remarkable story and very well written.
Thanks again.

[Centaurus]

Unfortunately some were quite sceptical so I am relieved that what I told them was more or less correct

I know what you mean W_Wright. Having relied on my own memory when I wrote the Uranquinty Winjeel story, I got the guilts and wondered if I had unknowingly perhaps embellished it. It is so easily done. I then rang a former Uranquinty student Nick Watling who I thought was on the same pilots course as Trainee pilot Colbey. Nick confirmed that his recollection was broadly identical to mine except at the time Nick was then at Point Cook on another course. Word had swiftly got around of Colbeys amazing experience and thus Nick heard of it second hand but substantially the same as my recollection.

I applied on 21 December 2020 to the National Archives to obtain the official RAAF Court of Inquiry or DFS Investigation of the incident and was advised I should receive it within 30 days. It will be interesting to compare their Findings against one's memory. Watch this space...