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Qantas Empire Airways |
Aircraft History Built by Lockheed at Burbank as Lockheed L-10A Model 10 Electra. Constructors Number 1034. On August 19, 1935 delivered to Mesta Machine Co in Pittsburgh, PA and registered in the United States as NC14947. Next, owned by Amicitia Corporation. Later, to G. M. Archer in New York. Next, owned by Lorenz Iverson in New York. Then purchased by Brayer Brothers Construction Company in Buffalo, NY. Then, Arthur Kudner in New York. One of these owners nicknamed the plane "Que Sera Sera". During May 1941, sold to Qantas Empire Airways (QEA) for $41,250. Disassembled and shipped as cargo across the Pacific to Sydney arriving in June 1941. Transported to Mascot Airfield near Sydney and reassembled by Qantas and test flown on June 30, 1941. Registered in Australia as VH-AEC and nicknamed "Inlander". This was the first non-British aircraft operated by Qantas. This plane was used by Qantas for the opening of their Brisbane to Darwin service. On July 3, 1941 took off from Archerfield piloted by S. K. Howard with co-pilot C. H. C. Swaffield on a flight to Darwin. On July 5, 1941 took off from Darwin and returned to Archerfield. Wartime History During 1942, painted in camouflage and operated under charter to the U.S. Army flying from Archerfield to Darwin, but suffered recurrent engine problems resulted in many forced landings. On December 11, 1942 arrived at Port Moresby to join the "Special Transport Flight" carrying troops and supplies for the Buna campaign. This aircraft made 31 trips from Port Moresby to Dobodura Airfield carrying 209 troops and 13.5 tons of supplies. Returning, evacuated wounded to Townsville. On January 11, 1943 returned to Australia. During 1943, operated from Townsville flying to Horn Island AIrfield. In September 1943, Qantas report indicates that VH-AEC had flown 70 return trips between Archerfield Airfield to Darwin the previous year carrying 1,065 passengers and 17 tons of cargo. Postwar During 1946 retired from regular flying. Afterwards, used only for charter flights. Mission History On February 12, 1948 took off from Brisbane piloted by D. A. Tennent and R. Crabbe on a on a flight bound for Roma but crashed near Condamine, Queensland with only minor crew injuries but the plane was written off. References The Lockheed File - VH-AEC Inlander The Lockheed File - Slideshow L-10 Electra VH-AEC (photos) Contribute
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