Aircraft History
Built by Douglas under contract AC535-AC-2032. Constructors Number 32667. Assigned U. S. Army Air Force as C-47B-25-DK serial number 44-76335. This aircraft was fitted with Wasp R1830-90C radial engines. Ferried across the Pacific to Australia as the first of ten of a batch of C-47B Dakotas as part of lend lease to Australia.

Wartime History
During March 1945, delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Dakota A65-75. On March 2, 1945 assigned to 3 Air Depot (3 AD). On March 3, 1945 assigned to 37 Squadron. Assigned call sign VH-CIR and code OM-R.

Postwar
On April 12, 1946 assigned to 2 Air Depot (2 AD) and returned to 86 Wing, 37 Squadron on May 6, 1946. On September 26, 1947 assigned to Department of Aircraft Production (DAP) and instruments with radium were added. Afterwards, on January 21, 1948 assigned to 1 CU for a week of trails.

On March 31, 1948 this Dakota suffered an accident at RAAF Base Laverton. On July 7, 1948 assigned to DAP. On January 25, 1949 assigned to 1 Air Depot (1 AD).

On July 14, 1949 returned to 86 Wing then on October 5, 1950 to DAP and returned again on May 10, 1951. On June 21, 1951 assigned to 91 Wing in Japan. On June 18, 1952 returned to 86 Wing and July 11, 1952 to DAP. On January 9, 1953 returned to 86 Wing. On March 30, 1953 returned to 91 Wing in Japan replacing Dakota A65-84.

On December 22, 1953 this aircraft suffered an engine incident in Japan. On January 21, 1954 returned to 86 Wing. On July 18, 1954 to DAP. On August 16, 1954 to 1 AD then on July 22, 1954 to 86 Wing. On September 18, 1954 to 91 Wing, then to DAP February 29, 1956 and 1 AD August 8, 1956.

During September 11-21, 1956 this aircraft was made available to Director Operations (DOPS) for visiting Edinburgh Airfield, Maralinga Airfield, Pearce Airfield and Woomera Airfield.

Mission History
On October 26, 1956 crashed on take off from Daly Waters Airfield.

Wreckage
After the crash, DCA was concerned that the wreckage presented a obstacle for approaching aircraft and was to be moved May 31, 1956. On November 19, 1956 officially stricken off charge and the next day converted to components. Possibly, parts of this aircraft were sold to Aeroquipment in Israel.

References
ADF Serials - Dakota A65-75

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Last Updated
June 2, 2020