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AN EVENTFUL TEST FLIGHT IP: 110.142.88.237 Posted on 8/1/2025 at 02:16:27 PM by Blue Neal
Sometime in the middle to late 70s.........A97-172 had established a pattern in the northwest training area to conduct a post "D" servicing test flight. Several tradies tagged along and were strapped in down the back. I was in that gaggle getting amused by all the checks going on with the multitude of engine shutdowns and air starts. (At the time each engine was shutdown with the condition lever and repeated with the fire handle) Not long after, I glanced up the 245 bulkhead only to notice smoke pouring over the top. I prodded the chap (Harry McSherry - INSTFITT) beside me who looked rather concerned. He got up as the loadmaster was at the top of the flight deck stairs and tugged his flying suit to get his attention. The Loadie came down and starred in astonishment at the chaos that was unfolding. By this time the FLTENG would have been getting some weird indications from the electrical panel. A few minutes later smoke was pouring over the top and out the cracks of the electrical distribution centre. I seem to recall flames as well. Us tradies jumped intpo action and grabbed all the portable fire extingusihers and assisted removing the stowed seat staunchions to allow access to the area. The fire was arrested from ghetting away too far and to this day I can still smell the acrid smoke from the event. The saying goes..........dont let the truth get in the way of a good story!!!!!!!! Rumour spread that I had tried to upend a portable oxygen bottle into the fire thinking in was a fire bottle.......The truth.....I did indeed make motions towards the oxy bottle in the heat of the moment then realised the portable fire bottle was nearby. The findings put it down to FOD where a tool was left and shorted out the AC distribution system. The Captain was FLTLT Ian Frame who kindly came down to our smoko room and presented us with a slab of amber in thanks for our assistance. The electricians were busy for many days rebuilding the electrical distribution centre. I seem to recall in later years A97-172 took its last flight to become a training aid at Holsworthy. Does anybody have connections with this event. Where is Harry these days? Replies: There have been no replies.