School Daily Diary Entry "“ 1940-11-23
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Finadagrave.com
Waterloo, Ontario
Fleet Finch
The Fleet Finch was the final version of a whole family of light biplane trainers, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of Buffalo, NY and intended for civilian use. Few of these aircraft were marketed under the Consolidated name, as most were sold through Fleet Aircraft Canada, under a range of model numbers. Only the RCAF gave any of these models names, calling the Model 7 the Fawn and the Model 16 the Finch. These aircraft were built from 1930 to 1941, all at Fort Erie, Ontario.
The Finch was developed to meet an RCAF requirement for a fully aerobatic, primary trainer. The RCAF ordered the first batch of aircraft in July 1939 and powered by a Kinner R5-2, 160 hp engine, they were designated the Fleet Finch Mk. I. Most of these aircraft were delivered to the RCAF Central Flying School at Trenton, Ontario by early 1940.
The RCAF placed a further order for primary trainers with Fleet in January 1940. The Fleet Finch Mk. II, powered by a Kinner B-5R, 130 hp engine, first flew from Fort Erie in March 1940. During the following year, over 400 Fleet Finch Mk. IIs were delivered to BCATP Elementary Flying Schools right across Canada.
The Fleet Finch was well liked by the RCAF as it was a rugged aircraft, was relatively easy to fly and withstood the abuse of novice pilots. Some Fleet Finches remained in service with the RCAF until 1947, but most were retired by October 1944. Their role as a primary trainer was taken over by Fairchild PT-26 Cornell. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Fleet FinchCASPIR Aircraft Groups:
RCAF Owned (431) RCAF 400 Squadrons (3) Canadian Crewed (34) Canadian Manufactured (1) Canadian Museum (1)Finch Finch II 4554
Category A damage in the afternoon of 23 November 1940 while with No. 9 Elementary Flying Training School at St. Catharines, Ontario. Took off from St. Catharines for a weather reconnaissance flight with two instructors, under low ceiling. Stalled from a low climbing turn west of the airfield. Caught fire on impact, Sgt. D. Whitaker and Sgt. F.E. Wellington died of injuries. Both had been classmates at Ridley College in Hamilton, part of McMaster University. These were 9 EFTS', and McMaster University's, first fatalities of the war.1940-08-19 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1940-November-23 Accident: 9 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Wellington | Whitaker
1941-01-25 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
RCAF.info - RCAF Station St Catharines Ontario
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