Connellan Airways: Beech D17S VH-AFP


Connellan Airways' Beechcraft D17S Staggerwing VH-AFP at Annitowa, a Station in the Northern Territory, in May 1956. The aircraft was probably on a charter flight and the pilot, Jim Manley (an American), is standing near the ute in the check cardigan. The person to the right of Jim is the Station Manager.

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VH-AFP was withdrawn from service on 6 August 1951, however it was stored and returned to service in 1956, being re-registered on 3 April. The aircraft was once again withdrawn from service in November 1957 and was sold.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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