Crash of a Lockheed L-414 Hudson I in Soputa: 3 killed
Date & Time:
Dec 15, 1942 at 1515 LT
Operator:
Registration:
A16-36
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Port Moresby - Port Moresby
MSN:
414-1887
YOM:
1940
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The crew was engaged in a supply mission to Soputa to drop ammunition and oil drums to Australian soldiers at the drop zone called 'Jumbora'. While flying at an altitude of 100 feet, the twin engine airplane nosed up sharply then crash landed in a wooded area. Three crew members were killed and one was injured.
Crew (1st OTU):
S/L William Allan Pedrina, pilot, †
F/O Donald Beviss Kerr, observer, †
Sgt Arthur Rupert Itzerott, radio operator, †
W/O Leo Charles Callaghan, air gunner.
Crew (1st OTU):
S/L William Allan Pedrina, pilot, †
F/O Donald Beviss Kerr, observer, †
Sgt Arthur Rupert Itzerott, radio operator, †
W/O Leo Charles Callaghan, air gunner.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the airplane was hit by enemy fire.
