VH-BFV. Douglas C-47A-1-DK. c/n 11917.

Was also registered as: 42-92149; FL557; VH-MAE.

The construction of this aircraft was completed at the Douglas Oklahoma City plant - September 1943

It was built as a Douglas C-47A-1-DK

It was allocated the United States serial number '42-92149'

Delivered to United States Army Air Force - September 24, 1943

Transferred to the Royal Air Force as a Dakota III under the lend-lease agreement - January 29, 1944

It was allocated the British serial number 'FL557'

Allocated to No 31 Squadron, India - ?

Allocated to TSTU, Chaklala - ?

Allocated to Air Command, South East Asia (ACSEA) - ?

Allocated to No 353 Squadron, Palem - ?

The aircraft was deemed to be surplus to requirements, withdrawn from use and struck-off charge - 1947

Sold to New Guinea Co - April 24, 1947

It arrived at Lae for conversion to civilian standards - January 1948

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-BFV (CofR 1485) - March 25, 1948

Registered to New Guinea Co t/a Mandated Airlines Ltd

Registered as a Douglas DC-3C-S1C3G

Overhauled by M.A.L. for new Certificate of Airworthiness - May 08, 1952 - July 1952

It was configured to seat 28 passengers

Reregistered as VH-MAE - May 27, 1952

The aircraft sustained minor damage when it crashed at Madang Airport - February 1953

Registered to Mandated Airlines Ltd - June 26, 1959

Registered to Ansett-M.A.L. - January 20, 1961

Registered to Ansett (P&NG) Ltd - May 15, 1968

It was damaged beyond repair whilst landing at Wapenamunda Airport, Papua New Guinea - July 12, 1972

It was operating the weekly Madang - Wapenamunda charter flight

When the undercarriage folded on landing the aircraft ground looped off the landing strip

The two pilots were not injured

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - October 31, 1972

VH-MAE. Ansett-M.A.L. - in the standard livery at Lae Airport, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 0250-668.)

VH-MAE. Ansett-M.A.L. - in the standard livery at Goroka Airport, August 01, 1966.

(G. Bennett Collection Copyright Image 0250-927.)

VH-MAE. Ansett-M.A.L. - in the standard livery at Lae Airport, July 28, 1966.

(G. Bennett Collection Copyright Image 0250-928.)

VH-MAE. Ansett-M.A.L. - in the standard livery at Madang Airport, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 0250-350.)