On this day thanks to the Air Power Development Centre 12th August 1937 Instructor fell out of aircraft midair While instructing a trainee pilot on this day, Flying Officer John Balmer fell out of a Wapiti aircraft in midflight and was forced to resort to his parachute to reach the ground safely. The incident occurred at 3000 feet about three kilometres north-west of Point Cook, when Balmer leaned from the rear cockpit to check switches in the front cockpit where his pupil was seated, lost his balance, and toppled over the side. Fortunately the air cadet under instruction had flown solo before and, although left unexpectedly alone in the aircraft, was able to land it himself. While apparently an accident, the story quickly circulated within the RAAF that Balmer had actually jumped to provide an otherwise proficient student with the incentive to apply his skills properly. This was a belief that gained some credence from the showmanship which Balmer exhibited as a noted cross-country motorist.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 00:31:51 +0000
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