australian stinson l-5 sentinel - geoff goodall`s aviation history site

Transcription

Latest update 20.6.16
AUSTRALIAN STINSON L-5 SENTINEL
Compiled by Geoff Goodall
Australia's civil Stinson L-5 Sentinels came from USAAF post-war disposals sales in Philippines and India.
This is a typical USAAF 25th Liaison Squadron L-5 42-98832 with TSgt D. Nichols in New Guinea during
1944, with the unit's slogan Guinea Short Lines painted on the cowling. This particular L-5 did not survive
the war.
Photo: Civil Aviation Historical Society
Sentinel VH-BFR visits Berwick Vic from Tasmania in February 1975.
Photo by Geoff Goodall
The Stinson Model 76 Sentinel was a military development of the pre-war Stinson
Model 75 Voyager series of civil touring aircraft. The Sentinel was a heavier aircraft with larger fuselage
construction of fabric coverage steel tube with extensive glasshouse and side windows, which opened
outwards. The wing and tailplane were all wood construction to save strategic materials. The engine
was a 185hp Lycoming 0-435.
The prototype first flew at the Stinson plant at Wayne, Michigan on 28 June 1941.
Flight tests resulted in the full-length leading edge wing slots being reduced to half length, and the tail
surfaces enlarged. This produced an exception STOL performance and large orders were received from
USAAF (L-5 series) and US Navy/Marines (OY- series). Production ceased in November 1945 after a
grand total of 3,590 Sentinels were built.
Stinson Aircraft became a division of Vultee Aircraft in October 1939 and in November
1941 Consolidated Aircraft and Vultee were merged under the control of Aviation Corporation (AVCO).
Stinson was later renamed Stinson Division of Convair (Consolidated Vultee) in March 1943. The
Stinson works at Wayne Michigan were closed in June 1948 and Piper Aircraft took over marketing of
post-war civil production Voyagers.
WWII use of Sentinels in New Guinea
L-5 Sentinels were operated in New Guinea by USAAF 25th Liaison Squadron from November
1943 for army cooperation and ambulance evacuation work. They had the ability to land in small
clearings in the jungle or on beaches, and their cabins were fitted for stretcher or sitting patients. The
unit painted the cowlings with a distinctive Guinea Short Lines and kangaroo. As well as injured troops,
the USAAF Sentinels rescued downed airmen in the rugged New Guinea terrain. USAAF also operated
Taylorcraft L-4 Cubs in the New Guinea theatre.
Previously USAAC Stinson L-1 Vigilants had been operating in New Guinea. By early October
1942 they were evacuating wounded troops from the Kokoda Trail using the marginal strip at Myola
Lake. Three L-1Cs were officially attached to RAAF No.33 Squadron effective 10 November 1942 for
search and rescue operations in New Guinea:
42-18958 33Sqn 10.11.42. Assigned radio call-sign VHCOG. Crashed Chestnut Bay NG
42-18959 33Sqn 10.11.42. Assigned radio call-sign VHCOH. Crashed Myola Lake NG
42-19050 33Sqn 10.11.42. Assigned radio call-sign VHCOI. Crashed near Myola Lake NG
RAAF pilots flew American Stinson O-49s, L-5 Sentinels and Piper L-4 Cubs on Army
cooperation duties in New Guinea. The RAAF personnel record for RAAF Flt Sgt Norman Padgett
shows that on 23 January 1944 he commenced 6 weeks of intense operational flying while attached to
th
Headquarters 9 Australian Division AIF at the front line of fighting against the Japanese. Aircraft flown
included US Army Air Force Piper L-4 Cubs, Stinson L-5 Sentinel on army liaison duties. His skilful
flying during this attachment included a mission to rescue a wounded radio operator from behind enemy
lines and resulted in him being awarded the Air Force Medal. His pilot logbook records 230 hours on L4s and L-5s
A single L-5 was actually taken on RAAF charge. "99129" (42-99129) was received by RAAF
No.36 Squadron at Townsville Qld on loan from USAAF on 30 May 1944. The RAAF record card at first
incorrectly reported it as a Piper Cub. A logbook entry records Flying Officer F. Watt of 36 Squadron
making a local flight at Townsville on 8 November 1944 in "L-5 299129", carrying photographer John
Harrison to take photographs in the area for the Allied Works Council.
On 25 November 1944 99129 was received by No.37 Squadron in New Guinea ex 36
Squadron. 37 Squadron's unit records state it was on their strength from 30 November 1944 to 1
February 1945. A December summary of non-operational flying quotes a mere 30 minutes for the
Sentinel, and 90 minutes during January 1945. On 26 January 1945 the RAAF record card states
"To be returned to FEASC representative at Townsville Air Depot. 37 SQ to arrange delivery as soon as
possible."
On 1 February 1945 it was struck-off RAAF charge as "Issued to USAAC (sic) ex 37
th
Squadron." With the US advance on Japan, USAAF 25 Liaison Squadron moved with its L-5s to the
Philippines.
Stinson L-5 Identities
There is considerable doubt over the identities for civilianised Sentinels. In the listings of
Australian aircraft below, the quoted identities and sources are given at the end of each aircraft's history.
- Frame number 75-.... was stamped on the forward landing gear trunnion: this is not the
construction number, but the factory production line sequence number.
- Construction number 75-.... was stamped on a Consolidated Vultee plate fixed to the metal
shroud at the front of the cockpit, out of sight behind the instrument panel
- USAAF identification plate was fixed to the fuselage at the starboard wing root, which had a
space for the c/n but most were delivered with that space left blank
Sometimes the fuselage frame number matches the c/n but the difference can be as much as
twenty. The USAAF airplane record cards survive but quote only the air force serial number, no
manufacturer’s number.
Jim Grey, founder of the Sentinel Owners and Pilots Association in USA wrote:
“There is no bullet-proof tie-up between frame numbers and USAAF numbers. The theoretical
correlation is, at best, a tenuous one because no factory production records are known to have
survived. On many existing aircraft where the original plate exists and no obvious airframe swapping
occurred, there is often a discrepancy between numbers. Some match the theoretical links and some do
not. There is a lot of circumstantial evidence however, so we can usually narrow the true USAAF identity
to within about a dozen airplanes, and through a process of elimination based on Air Force records,
photographs and other material we can narrow it down to just a few.”
1) THE CLIVE "KILLER" CALDWELL STINSON IMPORTS FROM MANILA
These four L-5 Sentinels were brought to Australia as cargo on board six Douglas C-47s
ferried from Manila to Sydney in November-December 1946, all purchased from USAAF disposals sales
in Philippines. The C-47 selection and delivery was carried out on behalf of the Zinc Corporation by
Clive R. "Killer" Caldwell, former RAAF wartime ace, who had joined wealthy pastoralist George B. S.
Falkiner to re-start Falkiner's pre-war firm Aerial Transport Co.
While in Manila acquiring the C-47s, Caldwell purchased four USAAF Stinson L-5s. They were
for resale on the Australian civil market and were reportedly in poor condition.
DCA's Import Permit ledger has an application on 9 October 1946 by Aerial Transport Co for
three Stinson L-5s, recorded as imported in November that year. However four were acquired in
Philippines, and a separate Import Permit was issued by DCA in December 1946 for the fourth 76-2751,
noted as being allocated VH-ALQ.
Mascot 1947: two of the USAAF L-5s air-freighted from Manila can be seen at the rear left, still wearing
camouflage.
Ed Coates Collection
This close-up of the photograph above shows the white-tailed L-5 serial beginning with “2994”, which
makes it either 42-99477/VH-ALQ, or 42-99470/VH-BFR.
The four Caldwell Stinson imports, listed in order of addition to the Civil Register:
C/n 76-2751
.46
.46
.46
4.12.46
21.2.47
7.2.47
31.3.47
31.3.47
13.5.47
16.9.47
22.9.47
5.4.48
8.4.48
9.48
3.11.48
4.8.50
1.52
Stinson L-5
VH-ALQ
Built by Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at Wayne,
Michigan, to USAAF order.
To USAAF as L-5 42-99477
Disposal by US Foreign Liquidation Commission at Manila, Philippines
One of 4 Stinson L-5s purchased in Manila by Aerial Transport Co, Sydney NSW
through their agent Clive R. Caldwell, former wartime RAAF ace "Killer" Caldwell.
Caldwell was a partner of George B. S. Falkiner in the firm Aerial Transport Co.
Caldwell was in Manila arranging the purchase and ferry of 6 Douglas C-47s to Sydney
on contract to The Zinc Corp. The Stinsons would be carried as cargo in the C-47s for
refurbishment in Sydney and civil resale
The 4 Stinson L-5s arrived Sydney, dismantled in six C-47s ferried from Manila for The
Zinc Corp.
DCA letter to Aerial Transport Pty Ltd: “Aerial Transport Pty Ltd has imported Stinson L5s from overseas. This Department has no objections to the release by Customs
Department of the Consolidated Vultee Stinson L-5 aircraft which you have acquired”
The 4 Stinson L-5s were stored at Marshall Airways at Mascot, pending overhauls for
civil CofA. Marshall Airways moved to Bankstown Airport in 1950
Registration application: Aerial Transport Pty Ltd, 4 O'Connell Street, Sydney
CofA issued after civil inspection by Marshall Airways at Mascot
Registered VH-ALQ
Change of owner’s name effective this date: Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd, Sydney.
The Board of Directors and management is unchanged.
Company letterhead:
“Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle (incorporating Aerial Transport Co)
Exporters, Brokers, General merchants, Aviation”
Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd letter to DCA: VH-BEE has been sold to F.W.
Hewson, Augathella Qld, and that ownership of VH-ALQ is transferred to G.B.S.Falkiner.
Ownership change to: George Brereton Sadlier Falkiner, 4 O'Connell Street, Sydney,
later “Haddon Rig”, Warren NSW
Annual CofA renewal at Mascot
Crashed at Bankstown, pilot C.R.Caldwell
Falkiner advises DCA that the aircraft is being repaired
CofA renewed at Bankstown after repair
Change of ownership: Keith Leahy, “Manna” Station, Condobolin NSW, later Sydney,
later “Oban” Station, Dajarra Qld
Annual CofA renewal at Bankstown by Marshall Airways
7.8.55
25.5.59
59
65/79
9.79
Identities
CofA suspended
Struck-off Register due CofA invalid since 7.8.55
Parked at Mount Isa for some years, went derelict. Moved to airport dump and half
buried. Later salvaged by Airport Fire Service for use for fire practice exercises.
Parts acquired by Howard D’Alton, Hobart Tas for rebuild of Stinson L-5 VH-BFR.
D'Alton recalls “It gradually disappeared at Mount Isa. I procured parts from it as well as
VH-BOE at Finch Hatton.”
Fuselage held by DCA Airport Fire Service, Mount Isa Qld
ALQ fuselage noted at Mount Isa Airport Fire Service, dummy wings fitted, has been
burnt several times.
Australian Application for Registration form: 2751
AHSA Civil Register quotes VH-ALQ: 2751 ex 42-99477
(42-99477 should be c/n 76-1718)
VH-ALQ at Mascot 1947, just after civil overhaul by Marshall Airways.
Greg Banfield collection
Another view at the same location at Mascot, around the same time.
Frank Walters collection
C/n 76-949
.46
.46
.46
4.12.46
21.2.47
18.6.47
31.7.47
31.7.47
16.9.47
9.47
30.7.48
9.48
18.10.48
12.11.48
28.11.48
12.48
28.4.49
2.12.49
14.12.49
2.52
50s
16.5.60
12.6.62
31.12.63
64
Identities
Stinson L-5
VH-BEE, VH-BOE
Zinc Corp.
DCA letter to Aerial Transport Co: “Aerial Transport Co has imported Stinson L-5s from
overseas. This Department has no objections to the release by Customs Department of
the Consolidated Vultee Stinson L-5 aircraft which you have acquired”
Registration application: Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd, 9 Loftus Street, Sydney.
CofA issued after civil inspection by Marshall Airways at Bankstown
Registered VH-BEE
Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd letter to DCA: VH-BEE has been sold to F.W.
Hewson, Augathella Qld, and that ownership of VH-ALQ is transferred to G.B.S.Falkiner.
Change of ownership: Falkiner W. Hewson, “Highfields” Station, Augathella Qld
CofA expired. DCA approve ferry flight to Archerfield after expiry. During the ferry by
Hewson the aircraft was stranded at Charleville awaiting a magneto part.
Letter to DCA from Hewson: BEE is at Archerfield awaiting parts to be manufactured or
imported from USA. His new Proctor VH-BLU will be in Brisbane at the end of this
month.
Hewson flew VH-BEE from "Highfield" Station to Archerfield to supervise the assembly
of his new Proctor VH-BLU, which had just arrived by ship from England.
CofA renewed Archerfield
DCA policy on aircraft registrations that conflict with the radio callsigns and the Q Code.
VH-BEE is on the list, and suggested change is to VH-BOE. The repainting of the
airframe can be delayed until the next major overhaul.
F.W.Hewson died. VH-BOE & Proctor BLU to be sold by Executors of the Estate
Change of ownership: Walter H.C. Mayne, Texas Qld
Annual CofA renewal
Re-registered VH-BOE
Maintenance by Carswell & Dalgleish, Archerfield
Change of ownership: Owen W. Gillham, Suttor Creek, Nebo via Mackay Qld, later
44 Gordon Street, Mackay Qld
Gillham was an earthmoving contractor, built the first airstrip at Brampton Island, and
improved it using his bulldozers and equipment shipped to island. He became involved
with Somerset Airways Auster flights to Brampton Island, then purchased Avro Ansons
for tourist flights to Brampton island. Operated as Gillham Airways with Ansons VH-BEV
& BBI. The Stinson VH-BOE was for his private use, later sold to his brother Ray
Gillham
Change of ownership: H. (Ray) Gillham, Suttor Creek, Nebo via Mackay Qld
VH-BOE photo at Mackay, parked outside complete but not airworthy
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from service
Stinson parked in hangar Mackay with expired CofA. Ray Gillham wanted to move it
from the airport, so flew it from Mackay early one morning before ATC Tower opened. It
was the first time he had flown his aircraft. Flew to Finch Hatton, where parked. DCA
investigated the unauthorised flight.
The Lycoming engine, propeller and cowlings were removed by Mackay aircraft
engineer Ivan Unwin for sale to Agricultural Aviation, Archerfield where they were used
in the modified agricultural Auster VH-SCO Prairie Flower.
Stinson VH-BOE abandoned in open weather at Finch Hatton airstrip Qld, due lack
of finances to commence a rebuild with a replacement engine. Became totally derelict.
Remaining parts of BOE were purchased by Howard D’Alton, Hobart, and collected
from Finch Hatton to be used in his rebuild of VH-BFR
Australian Application for Registration form: 42-98708
VH-BOE at Mackay Qld in June 1962
C/n 76-2744
.46
.46
.46
4.12.46
21.2.47
19.9.47
15.10.47
15.10.47
15.10.47
14.10.48
4.49
5.9.50
30.8.51
9.51
4.10.52
23.8.53
30.9.53
16.10.53
13.7.54
8.11.54
24.2.58
1.5.58
Photo by David Johnson
Stinson L-5
VH-BFR
Zinc Corp.
DCA letter to Aerial Transport Pty Ltd: “Aerial Transport Pty Ltd has imported Stinson L5s from overseas. This Department has no objections to the release by Customs
Registration application: Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd, 9 Loftus Street, Sydney.
Testflown Bankstown after civil conversion by Marshall Airways, pilot C. R. Caldwell
CofA issued.
Registered VH-BFR. To be based Mascot.
CofA lapsed. Renewal delayed awaiting parts from USA.
CofA renewed, agent for Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle was J. L. Waddy
Ownership changed to: Falkiner, Caldwell Pty Ltd, 9 Loftus Street, Sydney
Testflown Bankstown after CofA renewal by Marshall Airways, pilot Keith Robey
Change of ownership: Lionel V. Everson, Sydney
Minor accident at Bankstown: damage to prop, starboard wing tip and tyre.
Change of ownership: Christopher J. Neale, Neale Industries Pty Ltd, Sydney
Testflown Bankstown, following accident damage repairs completed by Marshall
Airways, pilot Frank E. Lawler.
Change of ownership: Keith A. Findlay, Findlays Broadcasting Services, Launceston
Tasmania
Operated Tasmanian commercial radio stations 7BU, 7AD, 7SD
CofA renewal at Launceston, then renewed annually at Launceston
Inspection at Launceston: Floor and seat in rear cockpit removed for conversion to
cropduster. Agriculture hopper and equipment will be manufactured.
Change of ownership: Tasmanian Air Work Pty Ltd, Launceston Tas
17.7.58
8.58
9.58
14.12.59
11.1.60
12.1.61
12.3.61
28.12.61
18.4.62
9.9.62
9.10.62
10.1.63
8.2.65
7.65
22.3.66
6.67
6.4.71
2.72
13.4.72
1.4.73
22.2.75
75/77
14.4.77
mid 77
20.11.77
3.12.78
11.2.79
18.8.79
Director of the company is Reg W. Munro, who is also Manager of the Tasmanian Aero
Club, Launceston. Shareholders are pastoralist E. D. Mills who is President of the
Tasmanian Aero Club and K.A.Findlay, who is Vice President of the Club.
Weighed Launceston with 6 cwt of cropdusting equipment fitted in rear cockpit
Internal DCA memos re agricultural use of this aircraft: approval to increase All Up
Weight for agricultural ops must not be given unless flight handling trials are to DCA
satisfaction.
DCA flight testing for CofA with full load of 6cwt of superphosphate which raises the
AUW above the certified limit. Failed flight tests due to compaction of the
superphosphate load over several days of flying. Wing leading edge slots had been
covered but DCA required them reopened to improve takeoff performance.
Additional flight testing: failed to dump the full load of superphosphate granules in the
required 5 seconds. Approved by DCA for operation at standard certified AUW.
CofA renewed Launceston by Tasmanian Aero Club
CofA renewed Launceston by Tasmanian Aero Club
Starboard undercarriage leg collapsed on landing on an ag strip on Flinders Island
during dusting operations. Pilot Peter Ahrens went around and flew across to Flinders
Island Airport, where the aircraft ground-looped on landing, damaging undercarriage,
prop and starboard wing.
DCA report: “Following a loss of engine power due carburettor icing, the pilot touched
down heavily collapsing the undercarriage. As power had then been regained, a baulked
landing was executed and the aircraft flown to another aerodrome where further damage
was sustained in the subsequent landing.” Pilot had 151 hours experience on type.
noted at Launceston in aero club hangar, in service, belly hopper chute
Damaged in forced landing Memana, Flinders Island Tas. Engine failure due fuel
starvation while conducting superphosphate spreading. Undercarriage struck a drain,
aircraft tilted on to nose. Pilot R. W. Munro.
Stinson Sentinels VH-BGQ & BFR seen stored at back of Aero Club hangar at
Launceston. Both dismantled, BGQ on its belly.
DCA write to Tasmanian Aero Club: “permission has been given to replace the fuselage
assembly of Stinson L-5 VH-BFR with the fuselage assembly removed from Stinson L-5
VH-BGQ which has been reduced to spares.” (refer VH-BGQ history)
Struck-off Register
BFR & BGQ purchased “as is” by Howard T. D’Alton, Hobart Tas
BFR & BGQ noted dismantled in hangar Launceston
Australian Air Log 7.65: “Two interesting aircraft which arrived at Hobart during July
were Stinson L-5s BFR & BGQ. The Sentinels have for a number of years reposed in
the back of the Tasmanian Aero Club at Western Junction, gradually rotting away. Both
were transported to Hobart by road by the new owners Max Price and H. D’Alton and it
is their intention to combine the two airframes to make one airworthy example. As there
is some doubt on the soundness of the normal L-5 wooden box spar wing it is interesting
to note that, subject to DCA approval, the completed aircraft will use the metal wings
from Stinson Voyager VH-AKI, which crashed at Launceston in 1960. The fuselage of
BGQ has been recovered aft of the cabin section and, although not yet decided, will
probably be the one that is used.”
noted at Cambridge: fuselage on wheels under restoration, VH-BGQ marked on rudder,
work proceeding on assembly using parts of BGQ & BFR. It is reported that DCA have
agreed to using the wings of crashed Stinson Voyager VH-AKI.
noted at Cambridge: uncovered wings attached to BFR fuselage. BGQ is in good
condition but not enough parts to build up two aircraft.
Restored to Register VH-BFR: Howard T. D’Alton, Moonah Tas
VH-BFR noted at Cambridge
VH-BFR noted at Cambridge, blue & white civil scheme
visited Melton-Fogarty’s Field Vic airshow
visited airshow at Berwick Vic: blue & white civil scheme
Overhaul and restoration at Point Cook Vic
Change of ownership: Malcolm J. Long, Melbourne Vic, later Elanora Qld
noted at Moorabbin in Schutt hangar, waiting to be repainted in USAAF khaki scheme
flew at Point Cook fly-in, USAAF khaki as "299465", with Long’s Auster AOP-3 VH-BED
& Tiger VH-ABL both camouflaged.
visited Sunbury Vic airshow
visited Lilydale Vic airshow
Three of Malcolm Long's aircraft departed Moorabbin for 2 day ferry flight to Coolangatta
Qld where he will now base his fleet: Stinson L-5 VH-BFR, Fairchild VH-CMB, Auster
AOP.3 VH-BED all painted in military markings
79/83
81
26.12.83
3.85
85/86
31.3.86
16.5.88
99
24.2.06
8.11.09
15.9.11
13.6.13
9.13
Identities
VH-BFR based Coolangatta and at CGFAM, Tallebudgera as USAAF “299465”
Two Stinson L-5s displayed at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, Tallebudgera Qld:
VH-BFR as "299465" and "417643" (RP-C545)
noted at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, painted as USAAF “299465 Guinea Short
Lines”
visited Mangalore Vic airshow, USAAF "299465 Guinea Short Lines"
Malcolm Long moved his aircraft collection from CGFAM to Drage Air World at
Wangaratta Vic
VH-BFR noted at Wangaratta Vic displayed inside Drage Air World, "299465 Guinea
Short Lines"
VH-BFR noted at Coolangatta Qld in Air Gold Coast hangar "299465".
Also 26.10.94, 10.10.98, 20.8.99, 28.8.01, 17.5.04
Report: Malcolm Long has retired VH-BFR pending a full restoration at his Air Gold
Coast maintenance facility at Coolangatta, which has restored four other L-5s.
Paint scheme later changed to USAAF “299465 Sport”
Change of ownership: Long Beach Aviation Pty Ltd, Coolangatta Qld t/a Air Gold Coast,
Pty Ltd
Change of ownership: Stephen Searle/ Wirraway Station, Beaudesert Qld.
Change of ownership: PDRL Pty Ltd, Fern Bay NSW
After Steve Searle's death, his warbird fleet changed ownership to this company name
Change of ownership: Bennet Aviation Pty Ltd, Redhead NSW
Advertised for sale: quoted as L-5E, total airframe time 926 hours
Australian Application for Registration form: 2744
Restored to Register 6.4.71 after rebuild, using BGQ's fuselage: 2744
Painted in USAAF scheme in 1977 as "299465" (ie. VH-BGQ's identity)
Fuselage frame and components left over from the rebuild of BFR/BGQ in Tasmania
were moved to Schutt hangar at Moorabbin, then Coolangatta where noted 20.8.99.
Bankstown circa 1948, at Marshall Airways hangar, with one of Marshall's ex RAAF DC-2s behind.
Greg Banfield collection
Launceston Tasmania circa 1954, light green with red trim and red shadowed registration letters, and
polished metal cowling.
Photo by Eddie Coates
Launceston in late 1950s in new paint scheme.
Geoff Goodall collection
Newspaper picture of VH-BFR cropdusting near Launceston in September 1958.
Launceston December 1961, as a cropduster with belly hopper chute.
The Collection p6915-0031
Sentinels VH-BFR & -BGQ dismantled at Launceston September 1962.
Under rebuild at Cambridge Airport, Hobart March 1966, rudder marked VH-BFR. Photo by Dave Eyre
Cambridge April 1972, restoration completed, painted metallic blue and white.
Photo by Bob Wills
VH-BFR restored to military configuration and USAAF markings, wearing VH-BGQ's serial number and
"Guinea Short Lines" on the nose, Mangalore Vic March 1985.
C/n 76-1706
c46
.46
.46
4.12.46
21.2.47
Stinson L-5
VH-BGQ
Disposal at Manila by US Foreign Liquidation Commission
Zinc Corp.
DCA letter to Aerial Transport Pty Ltd: “Aerial Transport Pty Ltd has imported Stinson L-
6.4.48
6.4.48
21.3.49
15.4.49
3.4.50
6.8.51
14.9.51
1.6.52
10.8.53
24.9.53
24.9.53
12.10.54
11.10.55
27.1.56
27.1.56
14.7.56
1.57
20.2.57
57
2.59
30.1.60
31.1.60
5.60
10.6.60
6.60
26.7.60
30.7.60
9.9.62
7.65
22.3.66
6.67
5s from overseas. This Department has no objections to the release by Customs
Registered VH-BGQ: Falkiner, Caldwell & Doyle Pty Ltd, 9 Loftus Street, Sydney
CofA issued after civil inspection by Marshall Airways at Bankstown
CofA renewed Mascot
Change of ownership: Stodhart M. Martin, “Baneda” Station, via Charleville Qld
retired, withdrawn from use
Struck-off Register as withdrawn from use 3.4.50
Restored to Register
Change of ownership: Max W. Hopp, Brisbane, Qld
Change of ownership: Alexander Ian (Scott) McLeod, “Terrica”, Inglewood Qld
CofA renewal inspection completed at Archerfield by Carswell & Dalgleish
CofA and CofR renewed
Annual CofA renewal at Archerfield by Carswell & Dalgleish
CofA expired. McLeod advises DCA that the aircraft is currently unserviceable due
engine in worn state. He is planning to locate a complete new engine.
Testflown Archerfield by McLeod, following CofA inspection by Carswell & Dalgleish
CofA renewed
Change of ownership to Gordon F. Lynam, Hughenden Dry Cleaners, Hughenden Qld
Annual CofA renewal at Archerfield by Craswell & Dalgleish
Change of ownership: Don D. Burns, Julia Creek Qld
Letter to DCA from G.Lynam states “during sale negotiations, I flew young D. Burns to
Cairns for Neville Mitchell to endorse him on the Stinson” (Neville Mitchell operated
Mitchell Aerial Services, Cairns on charter operations)
Change of address: D. D. Burns, Royal Hotel, Lismore NSW.
DCA memo notes that ownership appears to be shared between D. D.Burns and Max
Burns, an earthmoving contractor
CofA expired, retired at Archerfield
Struck-off Register, later back-dated to this date.
Advertisement: Stinson L-5 for sale: Don Burns, Ambon, Woody Point Qld: "nil hours
since overhaul. Airframe has 720 hours since new. Fitted Kippers Aeromatic propeller.
CofA expired 30.1.60. Available for inspection at Archerfield. Price £695 - a gift."
Change of ownership: Tasmanian Air Work Pty Ltd, Launceston Tas
DCA Memo: BGQ sold recently to Tasmanian Airwork Pty Ltd, who flew the aircraft to
Tasmania where it will allegedly be reduced to spares. A permit to fly was issued after
inspection at Archerfield for a ferry flight Archerfield to Launceston. The inspection
revealed deterioration in glue joints in box type wing spars and wing structure, and fabric
was in poor condition. The new owner is aware of these deficiencies.
DCA write to Tasmanian Airwork Pty Ltd stating that due to its poor condition a complete
strip-down and overhaul will be necessary before CofA could be renewed, and
expressing concern over the condition of their other Stinson VH-BFR.
R. W. Munro, Manager Tasmanian Airwork Pty Ltd replies (on company letterhead
“Aerial Agricultural Contractors”) stating that no CofA application is contemplated. The
aircraft now has been partly dismantled. Based on this letter, VH-BGQ is struck-off the
Civil Register backdated to CofA expiry of 31.1.60
Stinson Sentinels VH-BGQ & BFR seen stored at back of Aero Club hangar at
Launceston. Both dismantled, BGQ on its belly.
BFR & BGQ purchased “as is” by Howard T. D’Alton, Hobart Tas
Australian Air Log 7.65: “Two interesting aircraft which arrived at Hobart during July
were Stinson L-5s BFR & BGQ. The Sentinels have for a number of years reposed in
the back of the Tasmanian Aero Club at Western Junction, gradually rotting away. They
were transported to Hobart on a trailer by the new owners, Max Price and H D’Alton and
it is their intention to combine the two airframes to make one airworthy example. As
there is some doubt on the soundness of the normal L-5 wooden box spar wing it is
interesting to note that, subject to DCA approval, the completed aircraft will use the
metal wings from Stinson Voyager VH-AKI, which crashed at Launceston in 1960. The
fuselage of BGQ has been recovered aft of the cabin section and, although not yet
decided, will probably be the one that is used.”
noted at Cambridge: L-5 fuselage on wheels under restoration, VH-BFR marked on
rudder, work proceeding on assembly using parts of BGQ & BFR. It is reported that DCA
have agreed to using the wings of crashed Stinson Voyager VH-AKI.
noted at Cambridge: uncovered wings attached to BFR fuselage. BGQ is in good
condition but not enough parts to build up two aircraft.
6.4.71
.77
82/84
26.3.84
95
20.8.99
Identities
The airworthy L-5 constructed at Cambridge was registered as VH-BFR but quoted VHBGQ's identity
stripped dismantled airframe purchased by Malcolm Long, Melbourne Vic. Included in
the sale of the airworthy VH-BFR. Long intended to restore the second L-5 at Moorabbin
VH-BGQ under rebuild at Moorabbin in Schutt hangar by Ron Lee, reported now owned
by Ron Lee, Melbourne Vic
Stinson L-5 fuselage noted in Schutt Aviation hangar Moorabbin. Believed to be VHBGQ but unconfirmed
Report: Ron Lee, noted Melbourne warbird rebuild engineer, has spent the summer at
Coolangatta assisting Malcom Long with the restoration of 4 L-5s: Ron Lee owns one of
these Sentinels L-5B 76-1880 and has another 76-1706 (VH-BGQ) under rebuild in
Melbourne.
L-5 fuselage frame and components referred to as "BGQ" stored in Air Gold Coast
hangar at Coolangatta Airport where owner Ron Lee is restoring L-5s for Malcolm Long.
The fuselage is in fact the original VH-BFR
- Australian Application for Registration form: 42-99465
- VH-BGQ's identity was quoted for VH-BFR after the rebuild using both airframes in
Tasmania. Refer VH-BFR listing.
VH-BGQ in the same light green with red trim as the other 4 Caldwell imports.
Ed Coates Collection
2) TWO MORE SENTINELS WERE REGISTERED DURING 1954
C/n 76-4026 Stinson L-5E
VH-CSA
To USAAF as L-5E 44-17739
c45
Abandoned by USAAF at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Laurie Cowley wrote to compiler: “Two Stinson L-5s were left at Henderson Field by the
US Army. I bought them to Lae, New Guinea and made one out of two and registered it
as VH-CSA. I used it as an ambulance plane and general cargo for a few years. I kept
the registration VH-CSA and later used it on a Piper Aztec.”
9.1.54
Registered VH-CSA: Laurence Crowley, Crowley Airways, Lae, New Guinea
6.54
Laurie Crowley entered a Stinson L-5E in the 1954 Redex Air Trial around Australia, but
changed to Percival Gull VH-UTP borrowed from Goilala Air Service, Tapini, New
Guinea.
8.8.57
Struck off Register as Withdrawn from Service
16.8.57
Pencil note in DCA Register: Registration reserved for return to service. Nothing further.
Note: Laurie Crowley recalled in 2007 that he sold VH-CSA to Dennis Faithful, Laigum
New Guinea. However the compiler believes he has confused Faithful's Stinson L-5 VHBEN purchased much later in March 1965.
Identities
Australian Civil Register: 44-17739
C/n 76-3312 Stinson L-5B
VR-HEO, VH-BEN
To USAAF as L-5B 44-17025
c46
Disposal in Philippines by US Foreign Liquidation Commission
44-17025 is listed among a large number of L-5s sold to China as flyable aircraft
Alternative source: In January 1948 Roy Farrell, the American founder of Cathay Pacific
Airways at Hong Kong who was also operating Amphibious Airways in Philippines with
Catalinas, negotiated with the US disposals authorities in Manila to purchase the entire
remaining stock at a Manila "aircraft dump". This included unsold C-46s, C-47s, PBY-5s
and quantities of parts and engines, which he used to establish PAMAS (Pacific Air
Maintenance & Supply Company) heavy aircraft engineering facility at Kai Tak.
PAMAS was incorporated 23.11.48 with Directors including Australian notables Ivan N.
Holyman, Ian H. Grabowsky, Sydney H. deKantzow. PAMAS merged with Jardine
Aircraft Maintenance 1.11.50 to form The Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company
(HAEC).
49
Log: uncrated at Hong Kong-Kai Tak by Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co
23.7.49
Registered VR-HEO as a L-5B Floatplane: Vincent Wong, c/- Far East Flying Training
School, Hong Kong
Vincent Wong imported several other Sentinels to Hong Kong
27.9.49
CofA issued as a floatplane
49
VR-HEO flown as a floatplane with name Marco Polo
20.10.50
Change of ownership: Far East Flying Training School Ltd, Hong Kong-Kai Tak
Fitted with dual controls
50
Kai Tak report: Stinson VR-HEO on floats and other L-5s VR-HEQ & HEW reported with
Hong Kong Fying Club
51
HK Civil Register: VR-HEO owner FEFTS Ltd
Change of ownership: Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co, Kai Tak
51/53
Operated by Air Asia Ltd, Hong Kong. Charter operator with DC-3 VR-HFE
Air Asia Ltd was incorporated 11.4.51 with original shareholders:
Daniel Beard, airline pilot
John Patrick Reid, airline executive
Eric William Aylward, aircraft engineer
52
Air Asia ceased operations
16.12.53
Application for Australian Import Licence for a Stinson L-5B by Mr. Daniel Beard.
18.12.53
New CofA issued as landplane
31.12.53
Change of ownership: Daniel Beard, Hong Kong
31.12.53
Struck-off Hong Kong Register as sold to Australia.
Log: hours flown as VR-HEO were 659 hrs
7.1.54
Import Permit No.436 issued: imported by agents Carswell & Dalgleish, Archerfield Qld
.54
Shipped to Australia by the three Air Asia partners Daniel Beard, John Reid & Eric
Aylward.
Daniel Beard had been a Director of Air Asia. He planned to use the Stinson on his
cattle property near Clermont Qld.
Eric Aylward was an experienced ground engineer, previously with Cathay Pacific
Airways. In 6.49 he had attached a complete starboard wing of a crashed DC-3 HSTA180 at Rangoon-Mingaladon under the belly of Cathay Pacific DC-3 VR-HEN to fly to
Bhamo, Burma where Cathay DC-3 VR-HDB had been severely damaged by a enginestart fire on 5.6.49.
.54
Assembled at Archerfield by Carswell & Dalgleish
27.4.54
Registered VH-BEN: Daniel Beard, "Huntlay" Station, Mount Oscar, Clermont Qld, later
c/- T.D.A.Wilson, "Mount Oscar" Station, Clermont Qld
11.57
Advertised for sale in Aircraft magazine: Stinson L-5B 12 months CofA, engine hours
477 since overhaul. Ambulance version: £1700
30.7.58
Change of ownership: M.I. Adare, N.J. Gregg, Dr R. F. Gregg, Cunamulla Qld
14.8.58
DCA accident report: Stinson L-5B: substantial damage when pilot lost directional
control landing on a roadway and undercarriage collapsed near Charleville Qld. No
injuries.
Unconfirmed report that pilot was Dr. R. Gregg who was landing on a road to collect a
patient.
.59
Trucked to Bankstown for rebuild by Fawcett Aviation
2.12.61
Change of ownership: A.Mills, Sydney NSW
10.1.63
noted at Bankstown
5.63
noted at Bankstown in Fawcett Aviation hangar
14.9.64
noted at Bankstown, dark blue overall with white registration
3.65
18.3.65
22.6.65
24.6.65
66
71
.71
.71
.71
8.71
8.1.72
.72
20.7.73
7.6.75
25.7.83
.90
92/12
13
Identities
Purchased by D. E. Faithful through Central Aircraft Exchange, Sydney
Change of ownership: Denyse E. Faithful, Mount Hagen PNG
Faithful was a patrol officer in the New Guinea highlands
noted Camden, dark blue
noted Camden, had just been repainted red and white
based at Laiagam, elevation 7000 feet, flown by Denyse E. Faithful who is Assistant
District Commissioner at Lagaip PNG.
Manufacturer's plate inspected at Mount Hagen during 1966: quotes 44-17025 but
shows a blank space for acceptance date by USAAF
hangared at Cairns waiting for CofA renewal overhaul by Bush Pilots Airways
VH-BEN stolen from Cairns Airport by a disgruntled aircraft engineer who landed at
Coen Qld due engine trouble and abandoned the aircraft
Ground-looped Coen Qld during attempted takeoff. The pilot was a Bush Pilots
Airways engineer sent from Cairns to inspect the Stinson and ferry it back to Cairns.
3 months later the aircraft was returned to Cairns by road. Considered
uneconomical to repair.
Sid Beck of Townsville inspected the damaged Stinson stored in a hangar at Cairns. He
commenced negotiations to acquire the aircraft from the insurance company.
VH-BEN noted at Cairns Airport, alongside a hangar with wings removed and signs of a
heavy landing
Purchased damaged by Sid Beck, Townsville Qld who moved it by truck from Cairns to
his farm property at Condon near Townsville. Here he had a collection of engines and
parts salvaged from WWII military aircraft wrecks. He later acquired a Neptune,
Dakota, Canberra, Sea Venom, Sycamore and other aircraft.
SOR at owner's request
VH-BEN noted stored dismantled in a shed on Sid Beck's farm at Beck Road,
Townsville
noted at Beck's Townsville Aviation Museum at Condon in a display building
Sid Beck was forced to vacate the Condon site due land rezoning laws and
relocated to a farm near Mareeba, Qld. He moved his entire collection of aircraft,
engines, and wartime crash site recoveries to Mareeba where the more complete
airframes are displayed inside a large igloo hangar. Open to public as Beck's
Military Collection, Mareeba.
VH-BEN stored dismantled in a small shed on Beck's farm, still in civil colour
scheme, not displayed to public
Sid Beck died, future of his collection uncertain
VR-HEO: Hong Kong Civil Register: 17025
VH-BEN: Australian Civil Register: 17025
Note: VR-HEO has also been reported as c/n 76-3322 ex 44-17035 which went to
Central Air Transport Corporation, Canton, China as XT-703. At least two CATC Stinson
L-5s were imported to Hong Kong in 1949 and registered VR-HEQ & VR-HEW.
VR-HEO at Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong in the early 1950s.
Bankstown 1962.
Leo Callahan collection
Bankstown September 1964, all over dark blue with white registration.
Bankstown 1964, all over dark blue.
Photo by David Eyre
Bankstown 1965 just after it was repainted white & red.
Mount Hagen, New Guinea 1970.
Photo by Alan Bovelt
Sid Beck's farm, Townsville June 1975.
in a storage shed at Sid Beck’s museum at Mareeba Qld in 2003.
Photo by Paul Howard
VH-BEN’s Snoopy nose art could still be seen in 2003.
Photo by Paul Howard
3) MALCOLM LONG/ AIR GOLD COAST L-5 RESTORATIONS AS WARBIRDS:
Malcolm J. Long was a Melbourne flying enthusiast who, from 1975, commenced purchasing a
variety of former military aircraft, from Auster Mk.3 to Lockheed Hudsons. As his collection grew, he
moved from original base of RAAF Point Cook Vic to Coolangatta Airport on Queensland's Gold Coast.
Using the name Wings of Yesterday, he arranged with Cliff Douglas of Chewing Gum Field Air Museum
at nearby Tallebudgera to display his aircraft. The smaller types flew from a grass strip on a golf course
bordering the museum. In 1984 the Long Collection moved again, to the large premises of Drage Air
World at Wangaratta Airport Vic.
Air Gold Coast Pty Ltd was an established aircraft maintenance company at Coolangatta
Airport purchased by Malcolm Long in 1988 and operated by his sons Peter and Michael Long.
Malcolm's particular interest in the Stinson Sentinel type (see VH-BFR & BGQ above) resulted in his
purchase of two retired civilianised Stinson L-5s from Philippines in 1979. In 1993 Malcolm acquired a
package of 4 retired Sentinels with a stock of Lycoming O-435 engines recovered from India by
Brisbane warbird enthusiast Randal McFarlane in September 1991. These provided the basis of high
quality rebuilds back to military configuration by Air Gold Coast for the Australian warbird market, where
the Sentinel had been a rare type.
By early 1995 a production line of four "ground-up" Sentinel rebuilds was under way in the Air
Gold Coast hangar at Coolangatta Airport, with the assistance of experienced warbird restoration
engineer Ron Lee. 4 were under active restoration, metal airframes having been X-rayed and corrosion
treated. Authentic wartime fittings such as first aid kits, webbing installed while the wings were being
worked on. They were joined later by another Indian L-5, which had been imported by Perth aviation
enthusiast John Markham. Malcolm Long died on 16 November 2007. He is remembered as an
important contributor to the Australian warbird and aviation museum movement, acknowledged as
personally saving a range of endangered aircraft. Malcolm continued to fly his first Stinson Sentinel VHBFR until just prior to his death.
The photograph below appeared in Classic Wings Downunder magazine March 1995 issue,
with a report listing the four aircraft under restoration at Coolangatta as:
•
76-2178 (VH-CCO),
•
76-1880 owned by Ron Lee, Melbourne L-5B
•
76-2380 Cliff Douglas (VH-CDF)
•
76-1613 was previously well advanced with fabric applied
By October 1998 a total of eight Sentinels were noted in the Air Gold Coast hangar in various stages of
restoration. Identities of the completed aircraft are clouded by the probability of component swapping
and aircraft being stripped down for parts which went into the flying examples.
Sentinels under rebuild at Coolangatta early 1995. The rear two are "299399" which became VH-CHN
and "299639" which has so far not been registered.
Classic Wings Down Under
76-3930
c46
c60
.73
7.7.77
9.77
.79
1.6.79
5.7.79
23.4.80
14.8.80
81
28.7.83
26.12.83
4.86
89
1.95
8.10.97
15.10.98
9.3.04
19.3.05
Stinson L-5E
RP-C545, VH-CDF
Disposal in Philippines by US Foreign Liquidation Commission
Registered in Philippines PI-C545
New Republic of the Philippines registration series RP-C545: A. Gomez, Echague
Log: last flight. Total time 1051 hours.
RP-C545 noted at Manila Domestic Airport
Purchased in Manila by Malcolm Long/ Wings of Yesterday, Melbourne Vic.
Red and cream paint scheme, Lycoming O-435
Shipped from Philippines to Australia on Australian Enterprise
Arrived at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne in a shipping container, red and cream colour
scheme. Owned by Malcolm Long.
RP-C545 noted at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, Tallebudgera Qld. Reportedly
owned by Malcolm Long, moved up from Point Cook
RP-C545 noted inside CGFAM, painted in USAAF olive drab as "417643", ambulance
stretcher in the cabin with dummy.
Two Stinson L-5s displayed at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, Tallebudgera Qld:
"417643" (RP-C545) and airworthy VH-BFR as "299465"
"417643" noted at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum, Tallebudgera Qld
L-5 fuselage displayed at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum: painted USAAF olive drab
with serial "417643" on tail: displayed as a stretcher bearer. Reported ex Philippines
RP-C545 noted at Moorabbin Vic, dismantled in hangar, also RP-C84 reportedly as a
parts source
Stinson L-5s 44-17643 & 44-17782 listed with Drage Airworld/Long Collection
Restoration project by Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport
Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta by Malcolm Long: identities reported as
76-2380, 76-2178, 76-1880 and 76-1613. Of these 76-2380 has been purchased by Cliff
Douglas who will fly it from one of the fairways of his golf course at Tallebudgera on the
site where he previously operated his Chewing Gum Field Air Museum
Registered VH-CDF Clifford C. Douglas, Tallebudgera Qld
VH-CDF noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "417643", also 20.8.99, 28.8.01
Change of ownership: Brad Hurley/ Guinea Short Lines Pty Ltd, Melbourne Vic
visited Avalon Vic airshow, olive drab and white "417643" with "Guinea Short Lines" on
left cowling, and "Grumpy" on right cowling
4.07
21.9.08
15.11.08
14.3.09
22.1.13
Identities
note: Grumpy was the sobriquet of aircraft engineer Ron Lee, experienced
warbird restorer who was employed by Air Gold Coast to restore the Stinson L-5s.
visted Echuca Vic fly-in, "417643 Grumpy" (right side), pilot Brad Hurley
noted at Lilydale Vic, flying "417643 Guinea Short Lines" (left side)
notedat Lilydale Vic, flying "417643 Grumpy" (right side), also 28.12.08
VH-CDF "Grumpy" tipped on to one wing by a windstorm while parked at Avalon.
Departed on a truck for repairs.
Ownership transferred to Kathryn L. Hurley/ Vintage Airways, Yarra Glen Vic
Current
Air Britain SE Asia Civil Aircraft Registers: RP-C545: 76-3930 ex 44-17643
Australian Civil Register: L-5B 2380
On arrival Moorabbin 7.79 log book: L-5E RP-C545 ex 44-17643 last flown 7.7.77.
Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta 1.95: quoted as 76-2380 (Cliff Douglas), 762178, 76-1880, 76-1613.
Advertised for sale in Classic Wings magazine June 2001: airworthy, ambulance/cargo
variant, photo as USAAF 417643 with "Guinea Short Lines" in white on nose: quoted
identity as VH-CDF c/n 76-2380 ex 44-17643
Fuselage of RP-C545 at Chewing Gum Field Air Museum in April 1980.
Photo by Mike Vincent
76-4069
.46
.47
70s
.85
4.86
89
VH-CDF at Avalon Vic airshow, March 2005 "Grumpy" (right side).
Photo by Phil Vabre
VH-CDF at Avalon March 2005 (left side) "Guinea Short Lines".
Photo by Phil Vabre
Stinson L-5E
RP-C84
Registered in Philippines PI-C84 Pacific Airways Corp, Manila
Change of ownership: P. C. Pelaez, Cebu City
New Republic of the Philippines registration series RP-C84: Paul C. Pelaez, Cebu City
Change of owner: Air Ads Inc, Manila
Purchased in Manila by Malcolm Long/ Wings of Yesterday, Melbourne Vic
RP-C545 noted at Moorabbin Vic, dismantled in hangar, also RP-C84 reportedly as a
parts source
Stinson L-5s 44-17643 & 44-17782 listed with Malcolm Long Collection at Drage
Airworld, Wangaratta Vic
8.99
Identities
76-2178
c46
4.46
16.6.50
18.8.50
.58
22.6.58
10.1.72
.91
9.91
.93
1.95
97
26.3.98
13.8.98
15.10.98
20.8.99
20.10.99
28.8.01
06/08
31.8.08
18.11.09
15.9.11
13.6.13
9.13
21.5.15
A Philippines L-5 airframe in Air Gold Coast hangar at Coolangatta reported to have
been broken up for parts for other L-5 rebuilds
Air Britain SE Asia Civil Aircraft Registers: RP-C84: 76-4069 ex 44-17782
Stinson L-5B
VT-CCO, VH-CED, VH-CCO
To USAAF as L-5B 44-16890
Operated in China/Burma/India (CBI) theatre with 2nd Air Commando Group, Burma.
Disposal in India by US Foreign Liquidation Commission
Registered VT-CCO: Aeronautical Corp of India
Change of ownership: V. K. Reddy & R. A. Ansari, Nagpur
Change of ownership: C. P. & Berar Flying Club, Nagpur
Nagpur Flying Club, Sonegaon Aerorome, Nagpur
Log book: first entry: Total flying time 416 hours
Log book: last entry: Total flying time 5001 hours
Retired at Nagpur, struck-off Indian Civil Register.
One of 4 derelict L-5s purchased in India by Randal W. McFarlane, Brisbane Qld
Arrived Coolangatta Qld after shipped from India
The package of 4 Indian Stinson L-5s and stocks of Lycoming O-470 engines was
purchased from Randal McFarlane by Malcolm Long, Coolangatta Qld
76-2178, 76-1880, 76-2380 and 76-1613.
VT-CCO noted at Coolangatta Airport under rebuild by Air Gold Coast, plus 4 other L-5s
acquired from India in 1991
Registered VH-CED Malcolm Long c/- Air Gold Coast Pty Ltd, Coolangatta Qld
Registered VH-CCO Malcolm Long c/- Air Gold Coast Pty Ltd, Coolangatta Qld
"416890" noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar, no civil registration
VH-CCO noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "416890"
First flight at Coolangatta, pilot Malcolm Long. Painted allover USAAF khaki "416890"
with "40" in yellow on cowling.
VH-CCO noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "416890", also 17.5.04
Operated by Steve Searle/ Wirraway Station, Beaudesert Qld.
Flying in USAAF olive drab "416890" "Angel of Mercy"
visited Watts Bridge Qld fly-in, khaki "416890" "Angel of Mercy" and "Sponsored by
students of Parkman School Detroit Michigan"
Change of ownership: Stephen Searle/ Wirraway Station, Beaudesert Qld.
After Steve Searle's death, his warbird fleet changed ownership to this company name
Change of ownership: Bennet Aviation Pty Ltd, Cardiff NSW
Advertised for sale: major work carried out in 2005, total airframe time 5201 hours
Ownership transferred to: James P. Twiss/ Bennet Aviation Pty Ltd, Cardiff NSW
Current
VH-CCO at the annual Watts Bridge Qld fly-in, August 2008.
76-1886
.44
.44
11.44
c46
.48
11.1.50
29.7.64
Photo by Bert van Drunick
Stinson L-5B
VT-CRO, VH-PWZ, VH-CRO
Michigan, to USAAF order. Fuselage frame number 1886
To USAAF as L-5B 42-99639: see Identities section below
Ten Stinson L-5s 42-99631 to 42-99640 arrived India by ship from USA. All were issued
to USAAF 1st Air Commando Group, Burma and operated in China/Burma/India (CBI)
theatre.
Registered VT-CRO
Change of ownership: N. K. Sanghi, Jodhpur
Change of ownership: Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Senegaon Aerodrome, Nagpur
By 1975 the Indian Civil Register had changed identity of VT-CRO to 76-3268, probably
because of a rebuild using all or sections of the fuselage of 76-3268.
76-3268 was ex RAF Sentinel Mk.II KJ460
KJ460 was one of 100 newly built Sentinels delivered to RAF under Lend-Lease,
shipped from US to India to RAF Air Command South East Asia (ACSEA)
Following demobilisation of British WWII forces in India, large numbers of RAF aircraft
were left at Indian military airfields. Most were dumped as scrap, but Dakotas and
Liberators were transferred to the Indian Air Force, while those with civil potential were
placed up for disposal in India as local civil sales.
Similarly, USAAF L-5s left in India were sold locally by the US Foreign Liquidation
Commission
.73
89
11.90
11.90
4.91
Significant numbers of Sentinels appeared on the Indian civil register from 1947 and
were popular with Indian flying clubs across the country. None quote identity 76-3268.
However It seems reasonable to assume that numerous spares were held in reserve,
including fuselage frames.
VT-CRO retired, withdrawn from service
VT-CRO left in a hangar at Indore, poor condition
Perth-based pilot John Markham saw VT-CRO at Indore Indian Air Force. He was
ferrying a Piper PA-31 Chieftan from USA to Perth when an engine failure caused him
divert to Indore Air Base. There in a hangar Markham saw a derelict Tiger Moth and
Stinson VT-CRO. Markham was keen to acquire both, and commenced negotiations.
Markham returned to Indore to finalise a purchase deal
Purchased by John R. P. Markham, Perth, Western Australia
Indian Government approved the purchase and export of both aircraft plus spare parts
c92
c96
97
20.3.98
15.10.98
20.8.99
21.1.00
28.8.01
1.02
4.02
27.12.02
3.1.03
03
17.6.03
9.1.04
25.4.07
4.10
15.4.10
13.5.10
13.5.10
22.5.10
28.7.12
Identities
The Stinson and Tiger Moth were packed into a container and shipped from India to
Australia. Arrived Jandakot Airport, Perth
At Jandakot the parts from both aircraft were sorted and catalogued by Markham’s
engineer Philip Smith
VT-CRO was crated and sent from Perth to Coolangatta Qld for airworthy restoration by
Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport.
VT-CRO c/n 76-1886 noted at Coolangatta, reported as a recent arrival from WA. Fabric
stripped from fuselage frame, colour scheme faded mustard yellow. Ambulance version.
Registered VH-PWZ John R. P. Markham, Perth WA
VH-PWZ noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar. Painted as "299645/50" in the
nd
markings of USAAF 2 Air Commando Group
John Markham left the airworthy Stinson at Coolangatta for two years.
VH-CRO noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "299645/50"
Re-registered VH-CRO John R. P. Markham, Perth WA
This was Markham's preferred registration but had not originally been available.
VH-CRO noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "299645"
noted Coolangatta Qld in Air Gold Coast hangar, painted as VH-CRO "299645".
Three other L-5s under restoration in the hangar.
Markham flew the Stinson Coolangatta-Murwillumbah-Coolangatta accompanied by
Warwick Henry’s Cessna 182 VH-SZC.
Markham departed Coolangatta for the long ferry flight to Perth, accompanied by his
engineer Philip Smith.
Damaged on arrival at Kalgoorlie WA on the delivery flight. Landing in a cross-wind the
aircraft ground-looped, damaging a wheel, and hitting a wing-tip on the ground. Because
of concerns that the fuselage structure could have been damaged, it was dismantled
and returned to Coolangatta by road.
Rebuilt at Coolangatta by Air Gold Coast, using the same jig that had been used in her
previous restoration.
Air Gold Coast Maintenance Release on completion of repair.
John Markham departed Coolangatta on a 4-day solo ferry flight to Perth.
noted at Perth-Jandakot, flying, olive drab, USAAF "299645/50"
Sold to: Warwick Henry, Maryborough Qld
Aircraft was in the same USAAF olive drab finish as "299645/50".
Warwick Henry flew VH-CRO for a circuit at Jandakot, after purchasing the Stinson
Civil Register change of ownership date to Warwick Henry
Warwick Hentry departed Jandakot on a 10-day solo ferry flight to Maryborough Qld. He
visiting the annual Watts Bridge Qld fly-in (22.5.10) en route.
Arrived Maryborough Qld
Aircraft relocated to Kilcoy Qld. Owner Warwick Henry, Chapel Hill, Brisbane
Current
The aircraft did not have a USAAF data plate when it reached Australia. Frame number
“1886” was stamped on the forward landing gear trunnion.
1) Because VT-CRO’s identity was changed during Indian civil operation, both need to
be considered:
- Originally 76-1886 which should be L-5B 42-99645: however the disposals sales in
india were of L-5s operated in China/Burma/India (CBI) theatre with USAAF 1st Air
th
Commando Group, Burma. But 42-99645 served with USAAF 5 Air Force in New
Guinea or later Philippines.
Stinson specialist Jim Gray writes:
“Theoretically, frame number 1886 should be 42-99645, which is the probable reason
that number was chosen for the reproduction data plate and tail number painted on
when it was restored. But 42-99645 didn't go to the CBI Theatre. Without bogging you
down with the esoteric points of serial number archaeology, the actual identity most
likely lies within the range of 42-99631 and 42-99640, all of which arrived in India in
November 1944. I have every reason to believe that your airplane is 42-99639 based on
information received.”
By the 1975 the Indian DCA had changed the identity to:
- c/n 76-3268 which should be L-5B 44-16981, to RAF KJ460.
If indeed 76-3268 was 44-16981, confirmation that it became RAF serial KJ460 comes
from the books British Military Aircraft Serials by Bruce Robertson, and Air Britain’s
The British Air Commission and Lend-Lease. Both quote the following:
KJ368-KJ467 (100) Sentinel Mk.1 (L-5) and Sentinel Mk.II (L-5B):
KJ368-407 Mk.I,
KJ408-467 Mk.II. All 100 were new and shipped direct to India:
KJ368-407 (40) were 42-99487-99506 (20), 42-99549-99588 (10), 42-99539-99548 (10)
KJ408-467 (60) were 42-99591-99610 (20), 42-99673-99689 (17), 42-99700-99702 (3),
44-16969-16988 (20)
2) Air Britain Indian Civil Register (1979) quoted VT-CRO as: 76-3268 ex 44-16981
3) Australian Civil Register quotes VH-CRO as L-5B 1886
4) VH-CRO was painted as USAAF “42-99645” during its restoration at Coolangatta,
based on research by Malcolm Long for the USAAF serial for c/n 76-1886.
5) Advertised for sale in Classic Wings magazine June 2001: airworthy,
ambulance/cargo variant, photo as USAAF 299645 with yellow 50 on nose: quoted
identity as VH-CRO c/n 76-1886 ex 42-99645.
6) In 2011 aircraft owner Warwick Henry quotes identity as 1886 ex VT-CRO, 42-99645
7) Note: US registration N9217Y has been quoted for this L-5. It is believed to have
been a registration reservation for a US attempted purchase while in India.
Jim Grey of the Sentinel Owners and Pilots Association writes: “One of our club
members in the U.S. quite badly wanted to own VT-CRO, but timing, logistics of
dismantling and shipping it and other issues stood in the way of that happening.”
VH-CRO at Watts Bridge Qld, 22 April 2010.
Photo via Warwick Henry
The restored stretcher compartment on VH-CRO.
VH-CRO at Bundaberg Qld August 2011, painted as USAAF "299645/50".
Photo by John Markham
Photo by Phil Vabre
View from the airshow Tower, Bundaberg Qld August 2011.
76-1640
.43
.46
11.46
25.10.47
22.5.59
.60
1.3.60
21.5.59
10.6.75
.91
9.91
.93
1.95
97
9.7.98
15.10.98
6.10.99
5.9.03
4.10.06
8.06
9.15
Identities
Photo by Phil Vabre
Stinson L-5
VT-CHN, VH-CHN
Registered VT-CHN His Highness The Nawab, Ruler of Bhopal, Bhopal, India
logbook: first civil log entry: airframe time time 16:15hrs
last flight in log book: airframe time time 170:05 hrs
Change of ownership: Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Senegaon Aerodrome, Nagpur
Logbook: first flight with club
Club changed name to Nagpur Flying Club, Senegaon Aerodrome, Nagpur
Logbook: last flight: airframe time time 7629:10 hrs
76-2178, 76-1880, 76-2380 and 76-1613. Photo shows one of the four painted as
USAAF "299399"
Registration VH-JVH reserved. Re-allocated to a Bell 206B in 12.99
Registered VH-CHN John V. Hitzke, Woody Point Qld
VH-CHN noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "299399", also 20.8.99
First flight at Coolangatta, pilot Malcolm Long. USAAF khaki all over "299399", no codes
visited Archerfield Qld airshow, owned John Hitzke, flying as “299399/2S-G
Change of ownership: Stepwood Nominees Pty Ltd, Woody Point Qld c/- John V. Hitzke
visited Watts Bridge Qld fly-in, owned by John Hitzke, painted khaki in USAAC markings
“299399/2S-G Lil American Beauty”, in the markings of a USAAF B-17 flown during
WWII by his uncle.
noted at Caboolture Qld in Ralph Cusack’s hangar, dismantled for maintenance, khaki
“299399”
Current
Air Britain SE Asia Civil Aircraft Registers: 76-1640 ex 42-99399
Australian Civil Register: L-5 42-99399
Classic Wings Downunder magazine:
- 1.95 Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta: quoted as 76-2178, 76-1880, 762380, 76-1613. One of these was painted as "299399"
- 10.99 At time of first flight after restoration VH-CHN was quoted as 76-1613
VH-CHN having engine maintenance at Redcliffe Qld in 2009.
76-1572
.43
c46
4.46
18.8.50
10.8.60
28.9.60
29.10.70
.91
9.91
.93
16.4.99
20.8.99
30.9.06
22.3.07
Identities
Photo by Ian McDonell
Stinson L-5
VT-CDL, VH-NLR
Registered VT-CDL Aeronautical Corp of India
Change of ownership: C.P & Berar Flying Club, Nagpur
Change of ownership: Nagpur Flying Club, Sonegaon Aerodrome, Nagpur
first civil log book entry: total time 00:00 hrs: "totally rebuilt: fuselage originally 42-99331
ex VT-CDA, port wing ex VT-CCT, starboard wing ex VT-CCW."
(Note: VT-CDA was also with Nagpur Flying Club in 1960, 76-1881 ex 42-99640)
last civil log book entry: total airframe time 813:15 hrs
Retired at Nagpur. Struck-off Indian Register
Registered VH-NLR Marlene E. Wiltshire, Sydney NSW, later Melbourne Vic
noted at Coolangatta in Air Gold Coast hangar "29931"
noted Wangaratta Vic, flying, all olive drab, USAAF "299331"
visited airshow Avalon Vic, all olive drab, USAAF "299331"
Current
Air Britain SE Asia Civil Aircraft Registers: 76-1572 ex 42-99331
Australian Civil Register: L-5 42-99331
Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta 1.95: quoted as 76-2178, 76-1880, 76-2380,
76-1613.
VH-NLR at Wangaratta Vic, September 2006.
76-1880
.44
c46
11.47
27.11.53
1.95
15.10.98
20.8.99
07
15-16
Identities
Photo by Phil Vabre
Stinson L-5B
VT-CPS, (VT-CQH) "299639"
To USAAF as L-5B 42-996..
Registered VT-CPS Government of India, New Delhi
Struck-off Register, withdrawn from service
(76-1880 also quoted for another L-5 in Indian Civil Aircraft Register:
VT-CQH registered 11.47 Government of India, Bhubaneswhar. Later cancelled)
Imported to Australia from India. Importer and date unknown
76-1880 under restoration in Air Gold Coast hangar painted in USAAF khaki camouflage
as "299639". Report owned by Ron A. Lee, Melbourne Vic
"299639" in USAAF khaki camouflage in a row of L-5s being restored in the Air Gold
Coast hangar at Coolangatta Airport.
"299639" noted in Air Gold Coast hangar, no civil registration, also 17.5.04
Two L-5s stored at Wangaratta Vic with Precision Aerospace Productions,
where Ron Lee was chief engineer (one assumed to be "VH-BGQ", the other 299639?)
Under restoration in hangar at Caboolture in which Ralph Cusack’s Beaufort is being
restored to airworthy and where Ron Lee is now based: L-5 completed fuselage
standing on itswheels, USAAAF khaki paintwork “299639”
76-1880 should have been L-5B 42-99639: but see VH-CRO
76-1880 quoted on Indian Civil Register for both VT-CPS & VT-CQH, which were on the
Register for overlapping periods.
Classic Wings Downunder magazine March 1995 issue reported four L-5s under
restoration at Coolangatta, including 76-1880 and photograph showed "299639"
fuselage basic structure complete: the report stated that 76-1880 was a L-5B model
owned by Ron Lee, Melbourne.
VT-CPS at Caboolture Qld in 2015, under restoration as USAAF “299639”.
-
c46
4.63
17.8.63
10.11.71
.91
9.91
.93
90s
Identities
Photo by Ian McDonell
Stinson L-5
VT-DPL
To USAAF
Registered VT-DPL Nagpur Flying Club, Nagpur
Rebuild by the club, identity quoted as "NFC/L-5/1"
first civil log book entry: Total airframe time 00:00 hrs: "Rebuilt: fuselage no previous
known identity, wing from VT-CCT"
last flight in log book: Total airframe time 2769:20 hrs
purchased in India by Randal W. McFarlane, Brisbane Qld
Arrived Coolangatta after shipping from India
Stored dismantled by Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport
Air Britain SE Asia Civil Aircraft Registers: NFC/L-5/1
Reported that 76-1880 had been read off the airframe at Coolangatta
Four L-5s under restoration at Coolangatta 1.95: quoted as 76-2178, 76-1880, 76-2380,
76-1613.
C/n 76-3995
.44
4.7.45
4.47
.47/49
4.49
63
Stinson L-5E to OY-1
VH-NOY
Built by Stinson Stinson Aircraft Division of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation at
Wayne, Michigan, to USAAF order
Transferred to US Navy as OY-1 BuAer 03995
Delivered to US Navy at NAS Miramar, California
Issued to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point NC
Issued to Naval Aircraft Test Centre, Patuxent River MD
Issued to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point NC
Civil disposal from MCAS Cherry Point
Registered N66528
USCR: Civil Air Patrol, Front Royal Squadron, Front Royal, Virginia
66
69
70/72
76
25.2.03
5.7.06
22.6.06
26.3.07
29.3.07
31.3.07
09
15.9.11
13.6.13
9.13
10.11.14
18.3.15
Identities
USCR: Civil Air Patrol, Virginia Wing, Sandston, Virginia
USCR: James D. Bennett, Front Royal, Virginia
USCR: Sky Ads Inc, Aurora, Illinois
USCR: not listed
Restored to USCR N66528 James H. Gray, Payson, Arizona
(Gray was founder of the Sentinel Owners and Pilots Association)
Struck-off USCR as exported to Australia
Stripped airframe purchased from Jim Gray by Steve Searle, Beaudesert Qld
Shipped from California to Australia
Airframe arrived at Coolangatta Airport Qld for restoration by Air Gold Coast.
Registered as L-5E VH-NOY Steve Searle, Kallangur Qld,
Operated by Air Gold Coast Pty Ltd, Coolangatta Qld
First flight at Coolangatta after rebuild, pilot Mike Long, Chief Engineer of Air Gold Coast
Pty Ltd. Painted in glossy sea blue scheme as “NAVY OY-1 03995 San Diego”.
Reported as the 6th Sentinel rebuilt by Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta Airport
Delivered from Coolangatta to Steve Searle's property at Beaudesert Qld
Searle establishing his property airfield named Wirraway Field as a warbird base. He
has purchased a number of ex military aircraft and operates under the name Wirraway
Aviation Museum.
After Steve Searle's death, his warbird fleet changed ownership to this company name.
Change of ownership: Bennet Aviation Pty Ltd, Redhead NSW
Advertised for sale: restored in 2007 including Ceconite re-cover, total airframe time
1400.9 hours
Change of ownership: Robert W. Kemmis, Berrima NSW
visited Echuca Vic fly-in, blue US Navy paint scheme
Current
US Civil Register:
L-5E-1 03995
Australian Civil Register: L-5E-1 0995
VH-NOY at Watts Bridge Qld fly-in, August 2008.
Photo by Bert van Drunick
VH-NOY departs the 2008 Watts Bridge Qld fly-in.
Photo by ian McDonell
4) UNIDENTIFIED AUSTRALIAN SENTINELS
i) The Australian Civil Aircraft Register original hand-written ledgers have the following two allocations
circa 1947 which were Not Taken Up:
VH-BEF Stinson L-5B Sentinel - reallocated to Catalina ex A24-10, also NTU
VH-BEG Stinson L-5B Sentinel - reallocated to Percival Proctor January 1954
Nothing further is known of these two. However, it is worth noting the Catalina VH-BEF was owned in
1948 by Ralph R. Cobley, Melbourne VIC, who was flying his other Catalina VH-BDP in support of the
Indonesian republic rebels in the Netherlands East Indies. Cobley was killed while attempting a single
engine takeoff under gunfire from Dutch troops at Djambi, Sumatra on 29 December 1948.
ii) An advertisement in the May 1953 issue of Aircraft magazine is intriguing:
"Stinson L-5E: three seater cabin aircraft with Lycoming flat six engine. Both with nil hours since
overhaul and full 12 months CofA. Will accept the best offer about £1500:
Sepal Pty Ltd, 52 Wentworth Avenue, Mascot, Sydney."
iii) A Stinson L-5 was entered in the 1954 Redex Air Trial around Australia, by Mr. C. Hyland of Pymble,
Sydney but scratched before the start.
References:
Special thanks to Melvyn Davis for his detailed notes on the Coolangatta rebuilds.
- Australian Civil Aircraft Register, Department of Civil Aviation, Melbourne and its successors
- DCA aircraft files, National Archives of Australia, Melbourne
- DCA Annual Accident Summary, 1955 to 1970
- RAAF unit records, RAAF Historical, Dept of Air Canberra
- RAAF Status Card: Stinson L-5V 99129, RAAF Historical Section, Canberra
- National Library of Australia - Trove newspaper archive website
- British Military Aircraft Serials 1911-1979, Bruce Robertson, Patrick Stephens, Cambridge 1979
- The British Air Commission and Lend-Lease, K. J. Meekcoms, Air Britain, 2000
- US Civil Aircraft Register, FAA printed editions 1963-1972, on-line since 2000
- South-East Asia Civil Aircraft Registers, Air Britain, 1979: Indian and Philippines Registers
- Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal, monthly, various issues 1960-1970
- NSW Air Log, monthly journal: airport and accident reports, various issues June-Dec 1964
- Australian Air Log, monthly journal, various issues 1965-1968
- Balus The Aeroplane in Papua New Guinea, Volume 1, James SInclair, Robert Brown & Assoc., 1986
- US Military Aircraft Designations and Serials, John M. Andrade, Midland Counties Publications 1979
- General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors, John Wegg, Putnam 1990
- VH-CSA: correspondence from Laurie Crowley to compiler 3 January 2007
- VH-BEN: Sid Beck interviewed by Mel Davis at Condon, Townsville 1983
- VH-BOE: Ivan Unwin, interviewed by Melvyn Davis at Mackay Qld April 1978
- VH-CRO: correspondence with Warwick Henry, August 2014
- Indian imports: correspondence from Randal McFarlane
- correspondence from Jim Gray, Sentinel Owners & Pilots Association, November 2010
- Civil Aircraft in New Guinea war theatre 1942-1943, Trevor Boughton: research project 2012
- Aircraft magazine, Melbourne: August 1954 issue, Redex Air Trial, and follow-ups
- Classic Wings Downunder magazine, renamed Classic Wings, editor Graham Orphan, regular updates
on Stinson restorations: particularly Vol.2 No.2
- Flight Path magazine, Melbourne, editor Rob Fox: various issues with reports on Stinsons
- Airport of the Nine Dragons Kai Tak, Kowloon, Captain Charles E. Eather, ChingChic Publishing 1996
- Development of Commercial Aviation in China, Martin S. Best, Air Britain Archive, Summer 2009
- A Guide to Aviation Museum in Australia, Graham Potts, Australian Academic Press, 1990
- Air Britain News, monthly journal: Australian Register information
- Rag & Tube, monthly journal of Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia, 1977 onwards
- Australian Transport Aircraft Callsigns, compiled by Alan Bovelt 26.4.93

australian stinson l-5 sentinel - geoff goodall`s aviation history site

Transcription

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