VH-AET. Douglas C-47-DL. c/n 6013.


Construction completed at Long Beach, California - November 13, 1942

Built as a Douglas C-47-DL

Allocated U.S. serial number 41-18652

Allocated to the 5th Air Force and delivered to Archerfield, Brisbane - January 15, 1943

Used by 374th Troop Carrier Squadron with radio callsign 'VHCGD'

Aircraft was named 'Ole Stonewall'

Sold to the Department of Civil Aviation - having flown 1,911 hours - November 24, 1944

Converted to civilian standards by Australian National Airways at Essendon Airport

Conversion was completed by December 4, 1944

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-AET - December 20, 1944

Registered to Commonwealth of Australia / Department of Civil Aviation

Leased to Australian National Airways -December 20, 1944

Commenced service with A.N.A. as a freighter

Converted to passenger configuration with 21 seats

Aircraft was destroyed when it crashed into the sea off Seven Mile Beach, Hobart - March 10, 1946

Departed at 2055 hours on return sector of Melbourne-Hobart-Melbourne service

Crew of 4 and 21 passengers were killed

Exact cause of accident not determined - most like cause was inadvertent engagement of the autopilot

just after take-off with the gyros in 'caged' position by First Officer

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - March 11, 1946

Aircraft had flown 7,477 hours


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