VH-TVC. Vickers Viscount 720. c/n 046.

This aircraft was the third of six Viscounts ordered new by Trans-Australia Airlines - August 19, 1952

Built at the Vickers-Armstrong Hurn factory

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-TVC - June 22, 1954

Registered to Australian National Airlines Commission, Melbourne

First flown - November 17, 1954

It arrived at Melbourne (Essendon) on completion of the delivery flight - December 08, 1954

The aircraft was named 'John Oxley'

Operated its first revenue service - December 23, 1954

Converted to '720C' standard during its early career

Set a speed record between Melbourne (Essendon) - Canberra of 56 minutes (Captain F. Ball) - February 01, 1955

Set a speed record between Brisbane - Mackay of 124 minutes (Captain J. Benton) - July 16, 1955

Set a speed record between Mackay - Townsville of 56 minutes (Captain J. Benton) - July 16, 1955

Set a speed record between Brisbane - Melbourne (Essendon) of 184 minutes (Captain J. Benton) - July 16, 1955

Set a speed record between Cairns - Townsville of 38 minutes (Captain J. Benton) - July 17, 1955

Set a speed record between Melbourne (Essendon) - Brisbane of 152 minutes (Captain P. Wilson) - August 10, 1955

Set a speed record between Launceston - Melbourne of 48 minutes (Captain D. Winch) - December 23, 1955

Set a speed record between Adelaide - Sydney of 107 minutes (Captain R. M. Hirst) - April 13, 1956

Set a speed record between Adelaide - Melbourne of 61 minutes (Captain L. Hughes) - August 09, 1956

It was dry-leased to Ansett-ANA as part of the cross-charter agreement - March 06, 1960

This aircraft was leased to Ansett-ANA at the rate of 160 pounds 18 shillings per day

The aircraft was not registered to Ansett-ANA

During this lease the aircraft was operated in the standard Ansett-ANA livery in a 48 seat configuration

Aircraft was destroyed when it broke-up in flight and crashed into Botany Bay, Sydney - November 30, 1961

Killed were Captain S. A. Lindsay; F/O B. A. Costello; Hostesses A. M. Keldie, R. Hardy and 11 passengers

The aircraft was operating the Sydney (Kingsford Smith) - Canberra service as AN325

Crash was attributed to the aircraft experiencing gust loads in excess of design limits, resulting in wing and tail failure

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - November 30, 1961

Aircraft had flown 16,942 hours with 12,010 cycle

To view the Accident Investigation Report please click 'HERE'

VH-TVC. TAA Trans Australia Airlines - in the original livery at the Hurn Factory, September 1954.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 0129-477.)

VH-TVC. TAA Trans Australia Airlines - 'John Oxley' in the original livery at an unknown location, circa 1956.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 0129-176.)

VH-TVC. TAA Trans Australia Airlines - 'John Oxley' in the original livery at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, June 1956.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 0129-140.)