|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| W. R. Carpenter & Co. Former Assignments Guinea Airways Qantas Empire Airways |
Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank as L-14-H2 Model 14 Super Electra completed in January 1938. Constructors Number 1409. This aircraft had a bare aluminum finish with the Lockheed logo on the outer tail. On January 4, 1938 sold to Northwest Airlines and registered in the United States as NC17382 with "Northwest Airlines" above the fuselage windows. In April 1939, sold to Continental Airlines for $80,000. During 1941, sold to W. R. Carpenter & Co. and disassembled and shipped to Australia with Super Elctra 1431, arriving in Sydney during April 1941 then moved to Mascot Airfield and reassembled. Registered in Australia as VH-ADT. Nicknamed "R.M.A. Coronia II" on the nose with "Royal Mail" below and a stripe on the fuselage, tail and outer engine cowlings. The company's de Havilland Express DH.86B VH-UYV was nicknamed "R.M.A. Coronia". During August 1941, began passenger service from Sydney to Rabaul (10 hour 40 minute flight) flown by a pilot, co-pilot and flight hostess with seating for twelve passengers. In January 1942, participated in the evacuation of civilians from Wau Airfield. On January 23, 1942 nearly early caught on the ground during a Japanese air raid but pilot Clive Bernard managed to take off and escape. On January 30, 1942 flew engineers and parts to Wau Airfield to repair Super Electra VH-ADS. Afterwards, flown to Australia. During March 1942, unserviceable at Mascot Airfield with engine problems. Repaired, this aircraft was chartered by the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) for four months but crewed and maintained by W. R. Carpenter & Co. employees. On August 2, 1942 overhauled and entered service with Guinea Airways. During August 1942, is chartered by the U.S. Army to carry vegetables and cargo from Adelaide to Sydney, Darwin and other locations. Military and civilian passengers are also transported, but no seats are installed. On August 22, 1942 damaged in the rear fuselage at Batchelor Field. On September 10, 1942 flown to Parafield Airfield where temporary repairs were performed. This Electra continued to fly U.S. Army charter flights until January 16, 1943. Afterwards, undergoes engine repairs. During February 1943, returns to service with W. R. Carpenter & Co. flying from Sydney to Port Moresby then returning until the service was discontinued on March 16, 1943. Afterwards, chartered to Ansett Airways. On March 22, 1943 due to fuel problems, force landed at Mascot Airfield. Repaired and during 1944 chartered to Australian National Airways (ANA). On October 25, 1944 sold to Qantas Empire Airways (QEA) and painted with "Quantas Empire Airways" in cursive above the fuselage windows. The nose and tail had a flag with "Q.E.A." with the Southern Cross inside the outline of a circle. During May 1945, again leased to Australian National Airways (ANA). Postwar On January 22, 1947 during take off from Schofields Airfield piloted by Jackson the plane struck a log that collapsing the left landing gear and caused it to crash and burn. Jackson escaped without injuries. Officially, the aircraft was struck off the register a year later. References Note, some sources list the nickname as Caronia [sic, Coronia II] The Lockheed File - VH-ADT R.M.A. Coronia II Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
 Super Electra |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
