VH-TAT. Douglas C-47A-20-DK. c/n 13083.

 

Construction was completed at the Douglas Oklahoma City plant - May 1944

It was built as a Douglas C-47A-20-DK

Delivered to the United States Army Air Force - May 1944

It was allocated the U. S. serial number '42-93198'

Transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force under lend / lease agreement - June 04, 1944

Entered onto the Australian Military A ircraft Register as A65-48

It was operated using the radio callsign 'VHCID'

Allocated to No 38, No 36, No 33 Squadrons & No 86 Transport Wing during the war

Withdrawn from use and struck-off charge - August 23, 1946

Sold to Trans-Australia Airlines - July 05, 1948

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-TAT - August 19, 1948

Registered to Australian National Airlines Commission, Melbourne

The aircraft was named 'Grimes'

Commenced service with Trans-Australia Airlines as a freighter - August 19, 1948

It was destroyed when it crashed into the waters of Barilla Bay, Cambridge, Tasmania - August 08, 1951

The probable cause was due to loss of lateral control during a turn at low altitude after taking-off

An accumulation of ice on the airframe prior to departure in freezing conditions may have been a factor

The two flight crew were killed

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - August 28, 1951