Lockhart River

The twin engine aircraft departed Cairns on a charter flight to Lockhart River, carrying workers for the government. While descending to Lockhart River, the pilot encountered marginal weather conditions with rain falls and strong winds. A first approach to Lockhart River was abandoned and the pilot was forced to initiate a go-around. Few minutes later, while in a second attempt to land, the aircraft crashed on the Claudie Beach located about 4 km southeast of Lockhart River. All five occupants were killed.

On final approach to Lockhart River, the crew informed ATC that all was ok on board. Few seconds later, the aircraft crashed in a wooded area in the Iron Range mountains, 11 km short of runway 12. All occupants were killed.

Departed Cairns for Iron Range Camp, stopped at Cooktown for fuel then encountered severe weather conditions near Iron Range. Radio contact was lost and the aircraft reported missing. An aerial search was mounted over the next four days by RAAF and civilian search planes. Five days later, a Catalina located the wreckage near the old Claudie bush strip 10 miles south of Iron Range. A RAAF Court of Enquiry determined that the aircraft crashed after it struck a tree at 1445LT when trying to land at Claudie strip in bad weather. The aircraft was destroyed and all three on board were killed. Access to crash site was impossible because of flood waters.
Crew:
F/O Colin William Law,
F/Sgt John Brian Crawford,
F/Sgt George Morris Geisel.
Source: http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/

The crew was returning to his base following a bombing mission to Lae. On landing at Lockhart River-Iron Range Airfield, a tyre burst. The aircraft veered off runway and came to rest in flames. The copilot was killed while all seven other occupants were injured. The aircraft was written off.
Crew (22nd BG):
2nd Lt Walter Krell, pilot,
P/O Graham Brindley John Robertson, copilot. †