Pitu – Ambon – Darwin

On December 19, 1945 at 11:50 AM, Pitu – Ambon – Darwin experienced a crash involving Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF, with the event recorded near Timor Sea All World.

The flight was categorized as military and the reported phase was flight at a lake, sea, ocean, river crash site.

25 people were known to be on board, 25 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

Crew on board: 4, crew fatalities: 4, passengers on board: 21, passenger fatalities: 21, other fatalities: 0.

The aircraft arrived at Ambon Airport at 0850LT and the captain decided to wait for another RAAF C-47 flying from Darwin to have a briefing with the other crew about the enroute weather conditions. The aircraft left Ambon at 1040LT bound for Darwin but failed to arrive. SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended after few days as no trace from the aircraft nor the 25 occupants was found. Crew (35th Squadron): F/O F. Robinson, pilot, F/Lt N. J. Hazle, copilot, F/O G. R. Connell, wireless operator, Sgt F. Bodley, navigator. Passengers: Sgt W. Mullins, LAC L. H. Wilson, Pvt F. R. Carter, Pvt B. Pearchall, Cfn H. Arnold, Pvt K. Kripper, Cfn W. K. Arcus, Pvt R. Albertson, Sig J. E. Pollard, Spr S. E. Evans, Pvt R. Giochan, Cpt T. Walgett, Cpl L. R. Lishmind, Pvt R. Bowles, Pvt F. McCarthy, Pvt R. Burg, Cpt F. R. Barnett, Gnr H. Robins, Spr J. Wilson, Cpl R. Green, Able Seaman. Source: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/

Aircraft reference details include registration A65-83, MSN 16127/32875, year of manufacture 1945.