VH-TAA. Douglas DC-4-1009. c/n 43065-61.

This aircraft was ordered new by Trans-Australia Airlines - ?

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-TAA - August 28, 1946

Registered to Department of Civil Aviation, Melbourne

Departed Burbank on the delivery flight to Australia - September 24, 1946

It arrived at Melbourne (Essendon) on completion of the delivery flight - September 28, 1946

Flight crew: Douglas aircrew with T.A.A. Captains A. A. Kock, A. Bayne

Ferried Melbourne (Essendon) - Melbourne - (Laverton) - October 04, 1946

The aircraft was named 'John Eyre'

Registered to Australian National Airlines Commission, Melbourne - October 23, 1946

It was converted to freighter configuration - 1960

It was renamed 'Watkin Tench'

This aircraft was destoyed when it crashed on Bulwer Island whilst on approach to Brisbane Airport - May 24, 1961

It was operating the cargo service Sydney (Kingsford Smith) - Brisbane as TN1902

The captain attempted to vacate his seat whilst suffering cardiac arrest and collapsed over the engine throttle controls

The copilot was unable to access the throttles and the aircraft descended into the mangroves in total darkness

Had the co-pilot (F/O Adams) been able to reach the landing light switch from his seat and illuminate the

crash landing area it may have been possible for him to avoid the large tree that was invisible in the dark as

it lay directly in the path of the descending aircraft

The aircraft had flown over 46,000 hours at the time of the crash

To view more information about this accident please click 'HERE'

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - October 10, 1961

VH-TAA. TAA Trans-Australia Airlines - 'John Eyre' in the revised livery at Launceston Western Junction Airport, circa 1947.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 1125-122.)

VH-TAA. TAA Trans-Australia Airlines - 'John Eyre' in the revised livery at Melbourne Essendon Airport, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 1125-311.)

VH-TAA. TAA Trans-Australia Airlines - 'John Eyre' in the revised livery at Melbourne Essendon Airport, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 1125-381.)

VH-TAA. TAA Trans-Australia Airlines - 'Watkin Tench' in the revised livery at Melbourne Essendon Airport, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 1125-658.)