Lockheed L-414 Hudson accident at Canberra, Australia, 13 Aug 1940 (A16-97)
On August 13, 1940, a Lockheed L-414 Hudson (registration A16-97) operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Canberra, Australia during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. Nevertheless, the Board of Inquiry found that it was most likely due to the aircraft stalling on approach, resulting in loss of control at a height that was insufficient for recovery. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. Nevertheless, the Board of Inquiry found that it was most likely due to the aircraft stalling on approach, resulting in loss of control at a height that was insufficient for recovery.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The aircraft was performing a flight from Melbourne-Moorabbin to Canberra on behalf of the Australian Government, carrying three Ministers and their staff. On final approach to Canberra in ideal weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed in a huge explosion some 2 km short of runway. Emergency teams were promptly at the scene but nothing could be done to save the 10 occupants. Crew: F/L Robert Edward Hitchcock, P/O Richard Frederick Wiesener, Cpl John Frederick Palmer, AC1 Charles Joseph Crosdale. Passengers: Brig Geoffrey Austin Street, Minister for the Army and Repatriation, James Valentine Fairbairn, Minister for Air and Civil Aviation, Sir Henry Somer Gullett, Vice-President of the Executive Council and Minister in charge of Scientific and Industrial Research, Gen Sir Cyril Brudenell Bingham White, Chief of the General Staff, Lt Col Francis Thornthwaite, Staff Officer to General White, Richard Edwin Elford, Fairbairn's private secretary.
Probable cause (official findings): The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. Nevertheless, the Board of Inquiry found that it was most likely due to the aircraft stalling on approach, resulting in loss of control at a height that was insufficient for recovery.