Memories of the Comet
Dick Brown

I was a 412 Squadron navigator detailed for an air test and compass swing on Comet 5301 at RCAF Uplands on February 26, 1958. We were airborne at 1100 hours but because of extensive cloud we had difficulty achieving 1000 ft on top ….. a necessary condition for completion of the compass swing. Approaching 41,000 feet I was attempting to find the sun with the sextant when I heard a loud bang followed by a cloud of vapour when I involuntarily exhaled. The aircraft immediately went into a rapid descent and I struggled back into the navigation station seat and fastened up my oxygen mask and harness. The radio officer, I believe it was F/O Jerry Lewis, was in the lower equipment bay attempting to repair a reluctant piece of radio gear. Unfortunately he slid out of sight either because of the attitude of the aircraft or a lack of oxygen - maybe both!

The situation seemed familiar as we had been at the Institute of Aviation Medicine at the Toronto Avenue Road site the previous week for decompression training. The aircraft captain, F/L Bill Carss, recognized the situation immediately and had the aircraft in a rapid descent instantaneously. Bill was one of Air Transport Command’s finest pilots and I had the pleasure of flying with him on North Stars and Yukons as well as Comets. If I remember correctly the 1st officer was F/L Paul Major - another wizard pilot.

When our shaken crew emerged after landing at 1230 hrs, the problem that was experienced was traced to the port wing dinghy cover which had separated from the aircraft and struck the fuselage just forward of the rear passenger entrance door. There was a round hole approximately six inches in diameter that accounted for the explosive/rapid decompression in flight. As I recall, it was determined that because of Bill Carss’ rapid reaction, and the relatively small size of the hole in the fuselage, the cabin altitude was rising as we were descending. The maximum cabin altitude didn’t exceed 25,000 feet.

My recall of this incident is based on a single entry in my log book and a fading memory. Perhaps Bill or Paul can provide more information or corrections.