| NZ573 | 107 | Previously ZK-AEU, imported by the Auckland Aero Club with the assistance of St. Johns Ambulance Association for a cost of 2500 pounds. The aircraft which was damaged in transit, arrived in Auckland on board the "City of Manchester" on 23 December 1936. The repairs tokk some time and it's first flight in New Zealand finally took place during the second week of May 1937. The aircraft was used on air ambulance and charter duties, and set several speed records within the country. It was impressed into the RNZAF for a cost of 2100 pounds being BOC at Rongotai on 24 October 1939, and receiving the serial NZ573. Allocated to the Communications Flight at Rongotai, its service was not spectacular as it spent considerable time under repair. A crash at Opotiki in April 1940 saw NZ573 out of service for nearly a year, and damage from a second crash at Taupo on 01 February 1943 was not repaired until 1945. De Havilland New Zealand replaced the original 225hp Jacobs L-4 engine with a 220hp Continental W-670-6A taken from a tank. Sold to Auckland Aero Club from No.42 Squadron on 24 May 1946 and entered the New Zealand Civil Aircraft Register as ZK-AJS in May 1946. The aircraft's life was not trouble free, as further problems included a wheels up landing at Rongotai on 26 April 1947. The Staggerwing was exported to Queensland, Australia in 1954 where it became VH-BOU with C. Kelman, Julia Creek, Queensland on 10 March 1955. To M. Kelman, Yamala on 03 August 1962. The aircraft was re-registered as VH-PMG on 29 March 1963 with J. Whelan, Sands, NSW. To Columbia Trading Co, Sydney on 17 March 1964 and was re-registered once again as VH-TOT on 18 April 1964. To L. Day, Geelong, Victoria on 20 January 1966. Crashed on takeoff from Cooktown, Queensland on 30 August 1967 when it swung off the side of the airstrip and trucked back to Geelong for rebuilding. Cancelled from register on 30 August 1967 as crashed at Cooktown Queensland on that date. The Staggerwing is reported to be currently being rebuilt in Sydney Australia. |
