CRASH OF A LOCKHEED HUDSON
AT DARWIN AIRFIELD, NT
ON 31 DECEMBER 1940

Whilst engaged in a conversion course, with dual instruction, Lockheed Hudson A16-10 of 13 Squadron RAAF, piloted by F/Lt Herbert Ahern NICHOLAS (219) was badly damaged. The "aircraft bounced on landing at Darwin Airfield and the starboard wing stalled when engines were put on. Starboard wing struck ground, aircraft tipped on nose and swung through 180deg."

The crew was as follows:-

F/Lt Herbert Ahern NICHOLAS (219) - pilot
P/O John Turnbull (642) - 2nd pilot
F/O J Pearson - Concussion & lacerations to face
Ac1 Eric Alexander Donaldson (406294)
Ac1 Allen Richard Eather (402703) - shock

The damage was reported as follows:- "Port and starboard wing tips bent, navigator's compartment and keel crushed, both flaps and both legs of undercarriage damaged, lower fin of starboard stabiliser bent and tail wheel broken off."

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Phil Herdman for his assistance with this web page.

Can anyone help me with more information on this crash?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 13 September 2024

This page last updated 13 September 2024