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Chronology

DAP Beaufort Mark VIII Serial Number A9-547

RAAF
No. 6 Squadron

Former Assignments
No. 8 Squadron

Co-Pilot F/Sgt D. S. Fletcher
Navigator F/Sgt J. H. Robins
Pilot F/Sgt J. K. Taylor (WIA)
Radio W. K. McDougall
Crashed June 1, 1945

Aircraft History
Built by the Department of Aircraft Production (DAP) at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne.

Wartime History
Delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Beaufort Mark VIII serial number A9-547. Assigned to No. 8 Squadron. Later, assigned to No. 6 Squadron. No known nickname or nose art.

Mission History
On June 1, 1945 took off on a mission piloted by F/Sgt D. S. Fletcher. While attempting to land without flaps at Horanda Airfield, this Beaufort fell on one wheel and bounced, causing the left wing tip to strike the ground, spinning the aircraft and collapsed the undercarriage that resulted in skidding across the runway and bursting into flames. During the crash, Taylor sustained slight injuries. This aircraft was written off in June 1945. The crash was deemed to be caused by an error of judgment by the pilot.

References
Preliminary Report (Internal) of Flying Accident or Forced Landing - Beaufort A9-547
ADF Serials - Beaufort A9-547
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information

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Last Updated
October 26, 2025

Beaufort

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