CRASH OF A STINSON
AT SPRING PLAINS,
NEAR REDESDALE, VIC
ON 31 JANUARY 1945

A Stinson operated by Australian National Airways crashed at Spring Plains, near Redesdale in Victoria about 62 miles from Melbourne on 31 January 1945. It had been on a flight from Essendon to Broken Hill. It took off from Essendon at 7:30 am. A mid air explosion apparently flung the pilot and co-pilot out of the aircraft. The other 8 passengers were also killed when the Stinson struck the ground.

Captain A. L. Murn, married of Glenroy
First Officer O. D. Openshaw, 35, married of East Preston
S. Kerr, of Broken Hill
C. R. Kerr (son of S. Kerr)
John G. Jensen, 29, married, production manager of the Commonwealth Munitions Factory at Mildura
Roy F. Richardson, 54 married, of Gardiner, mechanical supervisor of the Allied Works Council
Peter Lawn, 11, of Kerang
Kevin Lawn, 10 (Brother of Peter Lawn)
John Tayleur, 57, married, of Windsor, works supervisor of the Allied Works Council
H. C. Black, American representative of the Allison Engine Co., attached to the RAAF on his way to 2OTU for inspection duties

Mrs. S. Dovey, a Volunteer Air Observer, at Redesdale saw the Stinson before it disappeared behind a hill. She said "The plane appeared to be in difficulties. Suddenly a wing came off and then the machine went out of sight behind the hill." It had been flying at about 1,500 feet. She heard the explosion which apparently happened mid air.

Mr. D. Bennet, of Spring Plains, heard the engines of the Stinson roar and backfire. He said it suddenly lost height and then he saw an explosion mid air and saw two men thrown from the aircraft. The aircraft hit the ground scattering wreckage over hundreds of yards.

REFERENCE BOOKS

"Victorian Plane Crash", The Central Queensland Herald (Rockhampton), 8 February 1945

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 15 June 2018

This page last updated 05 July 2022