Trans Oceanic Airways - TOA

Short S.45 Solent

The takeoff procedure from the Brisbane River was completed by night. After liftoff, while climbing to a height of 5 meters at a speed of 110 knots, the seaplane hit a davit on the stern of a moored dredge, causing the right wing to be cut off for about 6.7 meters in line with the float. The fuselage was also badly damaged in different points. The crew abandon the takeoff and was able to park the airplane on the beach. All four crew members were unhurt but the aircraft was later considered as damaged beyond repair. Crew: Cpt K. H. Goddard, Cpt P. H. Mathieson, F/O J. Cole, F/O R. Bush, flight engineer.

Short S.45 Solent

The Solent left England to be delivered to Australia and had a dual registration VH-TOA and G-AKNO. Shortly after takeoff from the Marsaxlokk Bay in Malta, the aircraft stalled, hit the water surface, overturned and sank. A passenger was killed while all other occupants were rescued. The aircraft was lost.