Connellan
Airways: Beech D17S VH-AFP | |
This machine (c/n 357) was originally built as a D17A and registered in the USA as NC20778 to The Armor Institute on 1 November 1939. It took part in their 1940-41 Antarctic Expedition, following which it was purchased by Connellan Airways in 1941. However, the aircraft was impressed by the RAAF as A39-2 prior to use by Connellan. Post war the aircraft was returned to Connellan where the original 380 hp Jacobs engine was replaced by a 450 hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior, bringing the aircraft up to D17S standard. It was first registered as VH-AFP on 19 March 1947. VH-AFP was withdrawn from service on 6 August 1951, however it was stored and returned to service in 1956, being re-registered on 3 April. The aircraft was once again withdrawn from service in November 1957 and was sold. It crashed at Springton, Qld, on 22 December 1963. (Photo: Ian Leslie collection)
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