Charleville

After lift-off at 85 knots, the pilot noted a positive rate of climb before retracting the landing gear and flaps. He then felt the aircraft sink and noted a high indicated rate of descent. Although full power was applied the descent continued until the aircraft struck the runway in a slightly nose-up attitude. The aircraft slid across the overrun area and through a fence before coming to rest. Fire broke out and engulfed the wreckage. At the time of the accident the aircraft weight was more than 200 kg above the maximum allowable and the centre of gravity was 142 mm forward of the forward limit. The pilot had been unable to retain control of the aircraft during the initial climb phase when the flaps were retracted at a relatively low airspeed.

The aircraft left Charleville Airport bound for Brisbane with 20 US soldiers and two crew on board. While cruising at a height of 6,000 feet, one of the engine failed. The crew was able to feather the propeller but could not maintain a safe altitude. The captain decided to divert to the Lurnea Siding Airstrip located some 30 miles east of Charleville to attempt an emergency landing. After touchdown, at a speed of 70 mph, the aircraft hit a anthill. An undercarriage was pushed through a wing and the aircraft came to rest. While all 22 occupants were unhurt, the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair.

The airplane departed Charleville at 0530LT with a pilot, Ian Douglas Davidson, and two passengers, William Robertson Donaldson from Rockland, and A. W. Bell from Belmont. The plane must have had trouble on the road as it only reached Tambo at 0930LT (two hours late), flying very low over the river, with the engine running. On final approach, the engine stopped, and a second later, the plane hit tree top and crashed. Mr. Bell was dead and Mr. Davidson died within half-an-hour, while Mr. Donaldson expired at 2 o'clock. The plane was destroyed, the engine and fuselage being smashed to pieces.

En route from Charleville to Longreach, the pilot encountered technical problems and elected to make an emergency landing in Blackall. While the pilot was uninjured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.