Originally ordered by FLO Air (U.S.A.) as N12706 but not taken up

First of two ordered by Trans Australian Airlines

Built by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd, Downsview, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Powered by2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-20 turboprop engines

First flown at Downsview, July 7, 1966

Accepted by Trans Australian Airline at Downsview - July 29, 1966

Arrived Sydney Bankstown on delivery by Air Capital International Ferry Company - August 16, 1966

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-TGR - August 1966

Registered to Trans Australian Airlines

Aircraft was not named

Based in Papua New Guinea to operate Sunbird services - October 1966

First service departed Lae - October 31, 1966

Written off and damaged beyond repair 5km (3.1 miles) from Kainantu, PNG - April 28, 1970

Was on a flight from Mt. Hagen and when climbing out from a dirt strip it struck a nrearby

mountain ridge in conditions of fog, drizzle and low cloud

Total of 1 crew (pilot) and 10 passengers on board

Pilot and 4 passengers killed instantly, 3 passengers died of injuries and 3 passengers survived their injuries

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register -

VH-TGR. TAA Sunbird Services - in the full livery at Bankstown Airport, September 1966.

(P. J. Gates Collection. 1920-285.)