“PLANE SAILING.” Central Coast Express Advocate, 22 January 1997.
This article records an unusual aviation incident involving a CT4 Airtrainer operating from Warnervale Airport. After experiencing a fuel blockage while travelling to perform aerobatics over Tuggerah Lake, the aircraft made a successful forced landing at Picnic Point following a Mayday call.
The incident became particularly noteworthy when the aircraft could not take off from the landing site. After inspection by Air Services Australia engineers, it was escorted by police and the fire brigade through The Entrance and across The Entrance Bridge in order to reach a more suitable departure location at North Entrance.
For the Warnervale Airport historical record, the article provides evidence of aerobatic flying activity originating from the airport and identifies the aircraft type, pilot, intended operating area and nature of the emergency. The photograph of an aircraft taxiing across The Entrance Bridge also makes this an unusually well-documented local aviation event.
Historical significance reflects the importance of an item in documenting the history of Warnervale Airport, the Central Coast Aero Club and the surrounding community. A high significance rating does not indicate that statements, opinions, claims or predictions contained in the original material are endorsed by the Central Coast Aero Club or remain accurate today. Newspaper reports, letters and other historical documents are presented in their original historical context.
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