Crash of a Lockheed Electra 10A less than one mile from Darwin Aerodrome, Northern Territory on 18 December 1939

CRASH OF A LOCKHEED ELECTRA 10A
LESS THAN 1 MILE FROM DARWIN AIRFIELD, NT
ON 18 DECEMBER 1939

On the morning of 18 December 1939, Lockheed Electra 10A VH-UXI "Moresby" of Guinea Airways was on a special military charter from Darwin to Adelaide with 10 military personnel from the 2nd AIF and two crew members on board when an engine cut out and caught fire 20 miles from Darwin. The pilot Captain Noble Sydney "Nobby" Buckley, was unable to maintain height and turned back to Darwin. The pilot attempted a controlled forced landing at Darwin Airfield. As the aircraft came down it struck a tree and dropped to the ground adjacent to the railway line about a mile south of Darwin Airfield. The aircraft was totally destroyed by fire.

Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson

Wreckage of Lockheed Electra 10A VH-UXI "Moresby"

Photo:- Ron Cuskelly Collection (H.A. Nicholas via David Vincent)

Wreckage of Lockheed Electra 10A VH-UXI "Moresby"

Five of the occupants were injured with one of them, Gunner Ronald Prewett (DX96) of Perth suffering a fractured skull. Bombardier D. H. Kauffman of Melbourne injured his left forearm. Gunner R. N. Robinson suffered concussion, facial abrasions and shock. Gunner Albert Edward Truesdale (DX131) suffered abrasions and shock. Captain Buckley received a cut over his right eye.

On 26 December 1939, pilot Buckley and his First Officer Ulric Gorham "Edee" Edgerton were presented with gold watches by the soldiers who had been passengers at the time of the crash in appreciation of their courage and resourcefulness which undoubtedly save the lives of all onboard.

Photo:- Ed Coates Collection via Ron Cuskelly