MID-AIR EXPLOSION
PREMATURE DETONATION OF BOMB FATAL DEMONSTRATION DIVE N.Z.P.A.—Reuter—Copyright. Rec. 9 p.m. MELBOURNE, Dec. 7. Hundreds of people watching an R.A.A.F. demonstration near Werribee yesterday saw a Mustang fighterbomber blown to pieces when a 2501 b bomb detonated during its release. The disaster occurred during a demonstration of offensive air support, watched by an audience which included hundreds of boys from nearby schools.
The plane dived from 5000 to 2000 feet, and just as it was expected to release , the bomb a terrific explosion occurred. Fragments of the plane were scattered for hundreds of yards around the target. The charred remains of Flight Lieutenant N. H. Bradbury, of Brisbane, the pilot of the plane, have been recovered. He joined the R.A.A.F. in 1940 when 18, and served in Burma with the R.A.F. He was married, with one child.
Although other such explosions were known during the war, R.A.A.F. officers are mystified as to the cause, for the bombs of the type used are not supposed to become “ alive ” until they fall away from the aircraft.
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Otago Daily Times, Issue 26638, 8 December 1947, Page 5
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176MID-AIR EXPLOSION Otago Daily Times, Issue 26638, 8 December 1947, Page 5
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