CRASH LANDING OF A C-47 DAKOTA
AT CAIRNS AIRFIELD, NORTH QLD.
ON 5 SEPTEMBER 1944

C-47A-20-DK Dakota DT-942, #42-108903 (Call sign VH-RDL) of the Netherlands East Indies Air Force ran off the runway after landing at Cairns Airfield on 5 September 1944 and became bogged. There was no serious damage done to the aircraft and no injuries were sustained by the occupants.

No. 25 Operational Base Unit RAAF (25 OBU) lent their mobile crane to the US Navy and the aircraft was brought back on to the tarmac to await repairs. N.E.I.A.F. Headquarters sent a  letter of appreciation to 25 OBU.

REFERENCES

Operations Record Book for 25 Operational Base Unit RAAF

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"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 16 March 2017

This page last updated 02 February 2020