Pacific Wrecks
Pacific Wrecks    
  Missing In Action (MIA) Prisoners Of War (POW) Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)  
Chronology Locations Aircraft Ships Submit Info How You Can Help Donate
 
  Ford 5-AT-E Trimotor Registration Number VH-UTB  
Guinea Airways

Click For Enlargement
O'Dea 1938

Aircraft History
Built by Ford as 5-AT-E Trimotor. Constructors Number 5-AT-68. First flight August 13, 1929 and registered to the Ford Motor Company in the United States as NC409H.

During October 1930, transported to the United Kingdom. In January 1931 registered in the United Kingdom as G-ABHF. The last two letters of the registration "HF" stood for "Henry Ford".

In 1934, acquired by Guinea Airways and shipped to New Guinea. Later, converted into a freighter, removing the seas and adding a hatch in the top of the fuselage. In late February 1937 flown to Archerfield Airfield near Brisbane.

During 1938, used to deliver supplies for the Taylor and Black Expedition and was the first aircraft to land at Wabag Airfield.

On October 23, 1941 took off from Wau Airfield with a cargo of timber aboard. Shortly after take off, the right engine failed causing the Trimotor to bank to the right, loose altitude and crash into Little Wau Creek nearby. During the crash, the pilot was injured and the plane was damaged beyond repair.

References
Brisbane Courier February 22, 1937 report on VH-UTB flight to Archerfield
Ed Coates Collection VH-UTB Ford 5-AT-C (c/n 5-AT-68)

Contribute Information
Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned?
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
May 5, 2023

 

Tech Info
Ford AT
  Discussion Forum Daily Updates Reviews Museums Interviews & Oral Histories  
 
Pacific Wrecks Inc. All rights reserved.
Donate Now Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram