Lockheed L-414 Hudson

Adastra Airways - Adastra Aerial Surveys

During the takeoff roll, al loss of hydraulic pressure forced the crew to abort. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the twin engine airplane overran and came to rest against an embankment. Both pilots were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Photos via www.aussieairliners.org

Adastra Airways - Adastra Aerial Surveys

The aircraft had been carrying out magnetometer survey flights from the airport for several weeks. It departed at 06:30 hours local time, reaching the survey area an hour later. At 07:50 the Doppler equipment became unserviceable and a little later light rain was encountered. The survey work was abandoned and the flight returned to Tennant Creek. At 09:14 the crew radioed that they were in the circuit area. Wind was reported to be from 070° at 14 knots. The acknowledgement of this information was the last contact with the flight. A minute later, the twin engine aircraft crashed in a prairie located 2 miles west of the runway 07 threshold.The aircraft was totally destroyed and all six on board were killed, among them a child aged 11. An examination of wreckage showed that one of the duplicated aileron control chains in the pilot's control column was broken in the region of the control wheel sprocket. A link pin had failed and this pin might have subsequently jammed the assembly as the control wheel was being rotated. Control could not be taken over by the copilot, as there was no copilot on the flight. The right hand cockpit seat and rudder pedals were removed so a crew member was able to gain access to the nose area of the aircraft for the survey work.

Prospec

The twin engine airplane departed Belo Horizonte-Pampulha Airport on a photogrammetry flight to Caratinga, Minas Gerais. Just after liftoff, while in initial climb, the airplane lost height, crashed on a bulldozer parked near the runway end and burst into flames. All four occupants were killed. Crew: Jacy Machado, pilot, Stenio Benedito dos Santos, navigator. Passengers. Rogério Sixel de Paula, engineer, Ronald Sutter Silveira, engineer.

Adastra Airways - Adastra Aerial Surveys

Carrying one pilot, a navigator and a photographer, the aircraft departed Lae on a photographic survey flight over the Wewak area, but conditions proved unfavourable for photography and it was decided to return to Lae. Lae tower was called five minutes before arrival and landing instructions were passed, in which it was advised that Runway 32 was to be used, the wind velocity being 300 degrees at 15 knots with gusts to 20 knots. Just before turning on to base leg the aircraft was cleared to do a practice asymmetric landing, but was warned to expect turbulence on the final approach. This was acknowledged by the aircraft. Witnesses agree that the aircraft was very low at the time of entering the final approach from a right-hand base leg with the left-hand propeller feathered. They also agreed that, following what sounded to be a marked increase in the power setting when 300 yards from the end of the strip, the aircraft rolled to the left and dived into the water in a partly inverted attitude. All three occupants perished. Crew: Allen Motteram, pilot, Patrick Murphy, navigator, Passenger: Gordon Murrell, photographer.

Kenting Aviation

The aircraft, owned by the Photographic Survey Corporation Limited, departed Great Whale River at approximately 0915 hours eastern standard time on a non-scheduled flight to Val d'Or, with the pilot, a maintenance engineer and two passengers aboard. An instrument flight plan was filed prior to departure, and the aircraft was to fly at 7 000 ft direct to Val d'Or, the estimated time of arrival being 1200 hours. Following take-off CF-CRL climbed on a magnetic heading of 185° on instruments, and the pilot was requested to report passing through 7 000 ft and to continue the climb to 9 000 ft. After passing routine messages, in which the freezing level of 10 000 ft was included, the pilot reported at 0928 hours that he was visual at 10 000 ft and that he would maintain this altitude to Val d'Or. At 0930 he stated he would maintain 1 000 ft on top of the overcast, i.e. 11 000 ft. At 0957 the pilot requested a radio check, and Great Whale River informed him that his transmission was weak. The pilot acknowledged this message which was the last transmission received from him. At 1600 hours the RCAF Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Trenton, Ontario was notified that the aircraft was overdue, and a search was begun. The wreckage was found on 25 July, 36 miles from Rupert House, P. Q., on a bearing of 153° True. All four occupants had been killed in the crash, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Adastra Airways - Adastra Aerial Surveys

At 0735 hours, the aircraft departed Horn Island with only the normal crew on board to conduct aerial photography over the northern portion of the Cape York Peninsula. The aircraft returned to Horn Island at about midday and was refueled to full tanks. The crew lunched with the crew of World Wide Aerial Surveys Hudson VH-SMM which was also conducting aerial photography in the area. After lunch the three passengers boarded VH-AGO which set course for Weipa Mission at 1516 hours. At 1523 hours, Captain Linfoot advised the communication station on Thursday Island that he was returning to Horn Island with engine trouble and requesting that VH-SMM be held on the ground at Horn Island to render assistance if required. Following a baulked approach at Horn Island, the aircraft crashed on a tidal mud shelf 1.25 miles north-west of Horn Island Aerodrome at approximately 1535 hours. It was subsequently established that the port engine had seized as a result of a master rod bearing failure. The inquiry determined that VH-AGO had a total time of 3083 hours with 260 hours since last overhaul. The following account of the accident is extracted from "Aviation Safety Digest": "The aircraft was temporarily based at the Weipa Mission aerodrome, northern Queensland, with the normal crew consisting of a pilot, a navigator and a photographic assistant. On the day before the accident the aircraft was flown on a private flight from Weipa Mission to the Horn Island aerodrome with three non-paying passengers aboard in addition to the crew. The aircraft remained overnight at Horn Island, and early on the following morning took off with the normal crew, and carried out survey work over a period of some four hours. The aircraft returned to Horn lsland at about midday and was refueled. During the same morning another Hudson aircraft (VH-SMM of WWAS. Ed.) engaged on photographic survey work had arrived at the aerodrome and the two crews lunched together. Both aircraft were prepared for departure and the three passengers again boarded the Weipa Mission aircraft, which took-off first and set course at 1518 hours E.S.T. intending to climb to 7,000 feet en route for Weipa, 45 minutes flying time to the south. Five minutes after departure the pilot of this aircraft advised the communication station at Thursday Island that trouble had developed in the port engine and that he was returning, to land at Horn Island. He also asked that the other Hudson aircraft be held on the ground in case some assistance was needed. At the stage that this message was relayed to the captain of the second Hudson the aircraft was lined up for take-oft but immediately vacated the strip. The captain watched the circuit and approach of the other aircraft from a position clear of, but adjacent to, the threshold of Runway 08. The returning aircraft was seen to cross Runway 08 and then turn downwind at a height of 1,500-1,700 feet and proceed with a left-hand circuit towards the threshold of that runway. As the aircraft turned on to final approach at about the normal distance from the threshold but still unusually high, the ground observers noticed that the undercarriage had not been extended. The aircraft continued to descend in this configuration and it seemed likely at this stage that a wheels-up landing would be made well down the strip. When the aircraft had reached a point approximately 600 feet from the threshold and 150 feet above ground level the undercarriage was observed to extend and it was also noticed that the port propeller was feathered. At this point there appeared to be no wing flap extended and the aircraft crossed the strip threshold at a height of more than 100 feet and at a speed estimated to be well in excess of the normal approach speed. Soon after the aircraft had passed the threshold it was seen to roll and turn to port and this motion continued until the aircraft disappeared from view at such a height and angle of bank that an accident seemed imminent. The pilot of the Hudson on the ground immediately took-off and located the wrecked aircraft on a coral mud shelf just beyond the northern shore of the island. Ground parties discovered that the aircraft had been virtually destroyed by very high impact forces and the six occupants had lost their lives." Those on board at the time of the crash were: Joseph (Joe) Linfoot (Captain) Hermione Ivy (Josie) Linfoot (Wife of the Captain) Graham Holstock (Navigator) Harold Corrigan (Camera Operator) William Frank Mitchell (Director of Mitchell Aerial Services Pty Ltd, Cairns) Lionel Kenneth George Jeffery (a pilot intending to join Adastra). Source & photos: http://www.adastron.com/adastra/aircraft/hudson/vh-ago.htm

Prospec

Crashed in unknown circumstances in the region of Miracema do Tocantins, killing all four occupants.

Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira

While conduction a liaison flight from Fortaleza, the twin engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances in Ilhéus, killing all eight occupants.

John Fairfax %26 Sons

The aircraft left Sydney-Mascot at 1400LT on a newspaper delivery flight to Tamworth with intermediate stops in Taree, Kempsey, Armidale and Glen Innes. At 1437LT, the crew informed ground about his position and confirmed his ETA in Taree at 1501LT. About eight minutes later, the airplane hit trees and crashed in a dense wooded area located about 10 km north of the Chichester Dam. As the airplane failed to arrive, SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended two weeks later as no trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found. Fifteen months later, on December 22, 1955, the pilot of a Butler Air Transport DH.114 Heron spotted the wreckage that was found about 20 feet below the summit. All three occupants have been killed. Crew: Cpt Douglas Hereward Swain, pilot, F/O Alistair Sydney Cole-Milne, copilot. Passenger: Cpt D. Burns.

Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira

Shortly after takeoff from Salvador Airport, while climbing, an engine failed. The airplane stalled and crashed in a field past the runway end. All 20 occupants were killed, among them five children.

Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira

Shortly after takeoff from Recife-Guararapes Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft hit the roof of a house and crashed. Both crew members were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Flugferdir

Crashed in unknown circumstances near Akureyri Airport.

Mandated Airlines

The crew consisting of two mechanics and one pilot (Captain Gibson-Lee) were involved in a local test flight. Shortly after takeoff, the left engine failed and the pilot elected to return for a safe landing, but unfortunately, the runway was busy with a DC-3. The pilot was forced to make a go around, overflew the runway but was unable to gain sufficient height. At the end of the runway, the aircraft hit telephone wires and crashed in flames onto a house, killing a young honeymooning couple. The aircraft christened 'Petunia' was destroyed by fire, both mechanics were unhurt while the captain was seriously injured. He died from third degree burns ten days later. Source & photo: http://www.adastron.com/lockheed/hudson/vh-bdn.htm

Brazilian Air Force - Força Aérea Brasileira

Caught fire and exploded during the takeoff roll at Recife-Guararapes Airport. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off.

Guinea Air Traders

Shortly after takeoff from Lae-Nadzab Airport, while in initial climb, an engine failed. The pilot lost control of the aircraft that crashed on an island located in the Markham River, south of the airport. All 37 occupants were killed. It was determined that all passengers were local farmers that were seating in the main cabin without seat or seat belt. Worst accident involving a Lockheed Hudson.

John Fairfax %26 Sons

Crashed and burned on Balmoral Station south of Muswellbrook, while on a trial newspaper dropping flight. The aircraft was preparing to drop newspapers in an open area when it appeared to dive almost vertically into the ground. Both crew members were killed. Crew: Geoff Hoskins, pilot, Edward Conner, copilot. Source: http://www.adastron.com/lockheed/hudson/vh-smj.htm

Royal Air Force - RAF

Few minutes after takeoff from Gibraltar Airport, while climbing, the aircraft suffered a double engine failure. The captain was able to ditch the aircraft and six occupants were rescued while a passenger died. The aircraft was lost.

Royal Air Force - RAF

Enroute, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with snow falls and severe icing conditions. With a horizontal visibility less than 500 meters, the crew decided to attempt an emergency landing and reduced his altitude when the aircraft hit a tree and crashed in a drainage ditch located near Münster. Six occupants were injured while the seventh occupant, a civilian, was killed.

BWIA - British West Indies Airways

Crashed on takeoff for unknown reason. All nine occupants were injured and the aircraft was written off.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

Just after liftoff, the aircraft stalled, hit the ground, went out of control and eventually crashed on a construction vehicle. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and both pilots were slightly injured while the vehicle's driver was killed.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

Left East Sale Airport at 1913LT on a night training mission via Paysnesville and Patts River. While cruising along the shore, the twin engine aircraft crashed into the sea off Ocean Grange. A wheel and an undercarriage were spotted on a beach but no trace of the aircraft nor the five crew members was found. Crew (1st APU): W/O F. J. Maughan, pilot, F/O A. S. Cullen, navigator, W/O H. L. Hammersley, wireless operator and air gunner, F/Sgt R. C. Smith, wireless operator and air gunner, Sgt F. W. Walker, air gunner.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

On final approach, the twin engine aircraft stalled, crashed onto the runway and exploded. Two crew members were seriously injured while three others were killed. Crew: F/Lt Robert Lamason, † F/O Wilfred Hall, † LAC John Medhurst, † W/O P. Doody, LAC R. McAnich.

Royal Air Force - RAF

While overflying Belgium, the twin engine aircraft was mistakenly shot down by the pilot of a Northrop P-61 Black Widow and crashed in a field located in Manhay. All four crew members were killed. Crew (161st Squadron): F/Lt R. Ferris, W/O R. Hutton, F/Lt A. Penhale, F/O J. Traill.

Royal Air Force - RAF

Shortly after take off from RAF Turnberry, while climbing, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea two miles off Maidens, north of the airbase. All five crew members were killed. They were engaged in a coastal patrol mission at that time. Crew (5th OTU): W/O John Robertson, pilot, Sgt Eric Raynor Kelsall, navigator, F/Sgt Norman Walter Huggins, wireless operator and air gunner, F/Sgt James Vincent Jenkins, wireless operator and air gunner, Peter Bernard Joseph, observer.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

During the day, technical anomalies were noted on the engines and the captain decided to perform a test flight. The twin engine aircraft left Richmond Airfield at 1620LT. Ten minutes into the flight, the captain informed ground about technical problems and elected to return to the airport. On final approach, while at a height of 200-300 feet, the left engine failed. The aircraft banked left, hit power cables and crashed in a huge explosion some 400 yards short of runway threshold. All eight occupants were killed. Crew: F/Lt Ronald William Shore, pilot, F/O John James Broderick, wireless operator and air gunner, LAC Francis Fletcher Smith, ACW Nancy Margaret Ralph, Cpl Robert Henry McIlroy, instrument maker, LAC Joseph Michael Gleeson, Cpl John McLennon Allen, LAC Noel Austin Chamberlain.

Royal Air Force - RAF

The crew was engaged in a secret mission over Arnstadt, Germany, to drop an American Agent on behalf of the OSS. While returning to England after a successful mission and while flying over Belgium, the twin engine aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a German fighter and crashed in a field located in Brisy. All four crew members were killed. Crew (161st Squadron): S/L Reginald Eric Wilkinson, pilot, F/O J. Weddell, navigator, F/L Frederick John Joseph Champion, wireless operator and air gunner, F/L G. H. Ash, air gunner.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

The twin engine aircraft left Nausori Airport at 0600LT with five other similar aircraft bound for Whenuapai, in New Zealand. En route, the weather conditions worsened and while in a thick cloud layer, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea. SAR operations were conducted for almost a week but no trace of the aircraft nor the seven crew members was ever found. Crew (4th Squadron): F/Lt Wilbur Lange, Sgt George Bryant, P/O Kenneth Ross, F/O Sydney Aldridge, P/O Kenneth Marshall, F/O Jack Olson, F/O David Stewart.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

The twin engine aircraft left Nausori Airport at 0600LT with five other similar aircraft bound for Whenuapai, in New Zealand. En route, the weather conditions worsened and while in a thick cloud layer, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into the sea. SAR operations were conducted for almost a week but no trace of the aircraft nor the seven crew members was ever found. Crew (4th Squadron): F/O Norman Beard, W/O Arthur Dunstan, Sgt Thomas Carey, Sgt Robert Gillespie, P/O Ivan Johnson, F/Sgt Thomas Ward, F/O John Waugh.

Royal Air Force - RAF

The twin engine aircraft left RAF Tempsford in the evening of August 5 on a special mission to Nijkerk, in The Netherlands. On board were four crew members and four Dutch agents who should be dropped over Nijkerk to join the resistance. While approaching the Dutch coast by night, the aircraft was shot down by the German Flak and crashed into the Ijssel some 4 km north of Kornwerderzand. All eight occupants were killed. Crew (161st Special Squadron): F/Lt Menzies, pilot, F/O Bunney, navigator, Sgt Withers, wireless operator, Sgt Eliot, air gunner. Passengers: Peter Kwint, Jan Bockma, Pleun Verhoef, Johannes Walter. Source: http://fk790.tripod.com/In_Memory/finalflight.htm

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The aircraft departed Hughes Airport at 0352LT bound for Millingimbi, to provide air cover for a convoy in the Arafura Sea. As the crew failed to make the dawn rendezvous, SAR mission was conducted and eventually suspended three days later as no trace of the aircraft was found. On October 8, 1946, the wreckage was found in a mangrove swamp called Paddy's Landing at Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory. All five occupants were killed. Crew (2nd Squadron): Colin Desmond, pilot, Richard James, Russell Lindsay, Harold John, Robert Gordon.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The twin engine aircraft left Hughes Airfield for a reconnaissance mission of the islands in the Banda Sea. While approaching the Pulan Luang Island, the aircraft was shot down and crashed into the sea. While the aircraft sunk and was lost, all five crew members were take prisoners by the Japanese. One of them was killed by the attack of a Japanese barge while all four occupants were executed on August 16, 1944. Crew: S/L John Leonard Scott, F/Sgt Robert Ian Maxwell King, F/Sgt Bruce Erskdale Wallace, F/Sgt Keith Charles Wright, P/O Donald Cosmo Beddoe.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

En route, the crew encountered an unexpected situation and was forced to abandon the aircraft and bailed out. All occupants were unhurt while the aircraft crashed and was destroyed.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

After completing an antisubmarine patrol flight over the Pacific Ocean, the twin engine aircraft was returning to its base in Nausori. On approach, the twin engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances few miles off shore. SAR operations did not find any trace of the aircraft nor the 4 crew members. Crew (4th Squadron): F/Sgt Alistair Pinching, W/O Jack Boesen, F/Sgt Cyril Corbett, F/Sgt Anthony Madsen.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The crew left Milingimbi shortly after 1230LT on a shipping reconnaissance patrol. The aircraft failed to return and most probably crashed into the Arafura Sea. No trace of the aircraft nor the crew was found. Crew (2nd Squadron): P/O J. P. Oldridge, pilot, Sgt R. F. N. Drake-Brockman, navigator, F/Sgt D. N. Rumble, wireless operator air gunner, F/Sgt J. F. Cullen, wireless operator and air gunner, Sgt D. J. Petch.

United States Army Air Forces - USAAF

Shortly after take off from Eglin AFB, while climbing, the aircraft stalled, dove into the ground and crashed. All five occupants were killed. Crew: 1st Lt Donald W. Hurlburt, Sgt Robert E. Brown, S/Sgt Carl A. Gresens, Sgt Leonard J. Hovorka, S/Sgt George E. McDonald.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The aircraft was completing a maritime patrol flight off Indonesia on behalf of the 2nd Squadron. En route, while attacking the Japanese ship christened 'Sugi Maru', the twin engine aircraft was shot down by enemy fire and crashed into the sea some 20 miles north of the Tanimbar Island. Three crew were killed instantly while two others were rescued and taken PoW. Both were executed on October 31. Crew (2nd Squadron): F/Lt L. A. Martin, † F/O Marcus C. Wettenhall, † F/Sgt N. A. Graham, F/O M. H. Williams, † F/Sgt William Robinson Boanas.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

The crew was performing a training flight from Ohakea AFB. While cruising off Tangimoana at low altitude, the crew had taken evasive action to avoid a collision with another aircraft taking part to the same exercise. During a steep turn, the aircraft entered a spin and dove into the sea three miles south of the Rangitikei River mouth. All five crew members were killed. Crew (1st OTU): F/Sgt William Marshall, P/O Harold Beard, Sgt William Plant, F/Sgt John Aubrey, Sgt Brian McSweeney.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The crew was performing a maritime patrol flight over the sea of Arafura. In flight, twin engine aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a Japanese fighter and crashed into the sea, killing all four crew members. Crew (2nd Squadron): Sgt Lamb, pilot, Sgt Ikin, navigator, Sgt N. McLean, wireless operator and air gunner, Sgt M. Jackson, wireless operator and air gunner.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

While cruising along the Vella Lavella Island, the twin engine aircraft was shot down by the pilots of eight Japanese fighter and crashed into the sea. Crew abandoned the sinking aircraft but were strafed by enemy fighters. Four of them were killed while the air gunner was able to reach the shore. Crew (3rd Squadron): F/Lt William Allison, † P/O Frank Kerr, † Sgt Ronald Douglas, † Sgt James Johnstone, † Sgt Trevor Ganley.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

The crew was engaged in a night training flight. Shortly after take off, at low height, the aircraft stalled and hit the ground. It overrun, hit a perimeter fence and came to rest in flames. All three crew were killed. Crew (1st OTU): S/L Wilfred Williams, LAC Harold Beale, Cpl Wilfred Gibbons.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The crew was involved in a bombing mission to Penfoei with a crew of five. En route, while cruising jointly with three other similar aircrafts, crew was informed that weather was deteriorating at destination. As all three other aircraft's crew decided to return to their departure point, captain of A16-195 decided to continue. Few minutes later, while cruising in low visibility due to poor weather conditions, aircraft hit mount Kekneno located some 100 km northeast of Kupang and was destroyed on impact. Debris were found some days later and all five crew were killed. Crew (2nd Squadron): S/L C. C. Williams, pilot, F/O R. C. Lindsay, air gunner, F/O W. A. Hepworth, wireless operator and air gunner, F/Lt A. M. Fowler, navigator, F/Sgt D. C. Farmer.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

While flying along the coast of the Guadalcanal Island, the twin engine aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a Japanese fighter and crashed into the sea. All five crew members were killed. Crew (3rd Squadron): F/Lt Wilfred Rutherford, F/O Vivian Eady, Sgt Lisle Smith, Sgt William Lankshear, Sgt John McDougall.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The aircraft took off at 1944LT to carry out practice DR9. This practice was a night flight from Base-Flinders-Currie-Hogan Group-Base. The aircraft was on wireless silence and failed to return. The maximum endurance of the aircraft was 7 hours. The aircraft failed to return and all searches have proved negative. Crew: P/O John James Bowman, pilot, P/O Alan Joseph Malone, navigator, P/O Harry Robert Alfred Guymer, wireless operator and air gunner, P/O Alexander Frederick McDonald, wireless operator and air gunner, P/O John Alexander Buchanan, air gunner. Source: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/

British Overseas Airways Corporation - BOAC

Shortly after take off, while climbing, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a desert area near the airport. All 16 occupants were killed. It is possible that the aircraft was overloaded at the time of the accident. Crew: Sgt C. M. Adams, pilot, Sgt G. S. Antrobus, pilot, Cpt M. F. Attwell. Passengers: Sgt A. L. Carruthers, F/O J. I. Douglas, Sgt J. S. Eason, F/Sgt Walerian Mislag, F/O C. S. Nicholls, F/Sgt C. G. Pay, W/O C. G. Pinkney, F/Sgt H. Ross, W/O J. E. Sendall, Sgt V. Wade, F/Lt J. J. Wojciechowski, F/Sgt A. Wright, F/Sgt G. J. Yule.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

The crew was engaged in a antisubmarine patrol flight off the Fiji Islands coast and left Nausori Airport that day. En route, the aircraft ditched in the ocean. No trace of the aircraft nor the crew was ever found. Crew (4th Squadron): F/O Alistair Parata, Sgt Albert Moss, W/O Egbert Willis, F/Sgt George Billson, Sgt Michael Horgan.

British Overseas Airways Corporation - BOAC

The twin engine aircraft was performing a flight to Khartoum on behalf of the Royal Air Force. On final approach, at a height of 800 feet, pilots completed a last turn to the left to join the glide slope when the aircraft banked left, stalled and crashed in a huge explosion. A passenger was seriously injured while all 16 other occupants were killed. A day later, the only survivor died from his injuries. Crew: P/O George Edward Harris, pilot, Sgt James Lissett, copilot, Sgt Brian James Cox, wireless operator and air gunner. Passengers: Sgt Douglas Elliott Guy Brown, F/Sgt John Creighton, W/O Neil Francis Gray, F/Sgt Grochowski, Sgt James Sidney Harris, F/Sgt Albert Partington, F/Sgt Samuel Leonard Pointon, W/O Charles Matthew Raven, S/L George Michael Roddy, Sgt Ronald William Smith, F/Sgt Stankowiak, Francis Charles Tanner, F/Sgt Tetnowsky, W/O Tonczak.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

The aircraft was at 500 feet with gear extended over the threshold of strip with the port airscrew feathered due to engine problems. The pilot raised the undercarriage and applied power to starboard engine, but the aircraft pulled to port and begun to loose height and crashed one mile north east of Hughes Strip. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact and ensuing fire. Crew (2nd Squadron): F/Lt J. F. Mason, F/Lt J. R. Wood, F/O T. W. Swann, F/Sgt R. J. Flaherty, F/Sgt R. D. Woods, Sgt G. R. Rowland, F/O G. L. Knauer. Source: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/

Royal Air Force - RAF

Shortly after take off, while in initial climb, the aircraft was caught by strong cross winds, nosed down and crashed in a field. Both pilots were injured.

Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF

While cruising at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the twin engine aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a Japanese fighter and crashed into the sea off Aru Island. All five crew members were killed. Crew (2nd Squadron): W/O V. L. Jackman, F/O D. R. Hicks, F/Sgt E. Quinn, F/Sgt I. W. MacKenzie, Sgt D. A. Emery.

Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF

Shortly after take off from Waipapakauri AFB, while in initial climb, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a pond. Two crew members were killed while two others were seriously injured. Crew (1st Squadron): Sgt William Nicholls, † P/O Ronald Triner, † F/O B. Scott, Sgt R. Black.