 On 15 January 1943, the prototype CA-4, "A23-1001", crashed on a test flight to assess powerplant performance and evaluate aerodynamic effects of a new fixed leading edge slat.During the return to the CAC airfield at Fisherman's Bend, the pilot, Squadron Leader Jim Harper, had detected a fuel leak in the port Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engine.As the problem worsened he attempted to shut down the engine, feathering the propeller; however, the actuation of the feathering switch caused an explosion and uncontrollable fire.