Below: XA403 immediately after handling accident aboard Melbourne, July 1961. Photo: Ron Marsh, who was the engine maintenance rating for that aircraft and was walking alongside it carrying chocks when the mishap occurred. The accident was most likely a combination of poor communication between the pilot and marshaller, and movement of the ship as it rolled to starboard as it was turning into wind.
Aircraft History
Type: AS1
Delivered: May 1956
History: Served with 817 Squadron. Damaged aboard Melbourne July 1961 during taxying/handling accident. Aircraft being marshalled to Fly One after aborted launch (possible u/s radio lead) when slid off the edge of the deck during roll to starboard. Pilot Barry Lovett. Aircraft was repaired.
Withdrawn: 15 August 1967. Used for firefighting, HMAS Albatross.
