Crash of a Lockheed 18-40-11 LodeStar in Dobodura

Date & Time: Nov 30, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Lockheed 18 LodeStar
Operator:
Registration:
VH-CAH
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
2125
YOM:
1941
Location:
Dobodura
Oro (Northern)
Country:
Papua New Guinea
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
On final approach to Dobodura Airport, the twin engine airplane was hit by enemy fire while the airfield was bombed. The aircraft crashed short of runway and was damaged beyond repair. There were no fatalities.
Probable cause:
Shot down by enemy fire.

Crash of a Douglas C-47-DL in Dobodura: 4 killed

Date & Time: Nov 26, 1942
Type of aircraft:
Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)
Operator:
Registration:
41-38631
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Dobodura - Port Moresby
MSN:
4734
YOM:
1942
Location:
Dobodura
Oro (Northern)
Country:
Papua New Guinea
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Dobodura Airfield, the airplane was shot down by a Japanese fighter and crashed. All four crew members were killed. Named 'Shady Lady', the airplane was operated as VH-CCZ.
Crew:
S/Sgt Marvin L. Brandt, pilot,
S/Sgt Quentin C. Ruecker, copilot,
Sgt Joseph G. Baltascavage, crew chief,
Cpl Hugh Mack Bryan, radio operator.
Probable cause:
Shot down by a Japanese fighter.
Subscribe to Dobodura