Draft:1950 Camden Lockheed Hudson Crash
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 An aircraft similar to the accident aircraft. | |
| Accident | |
|---|---|
| Date | January 1, 1950 |
| Summary | Crash into terrain shortly after takeoff. |
| Site | Near Camden Airport, Camden, New South Wales, Australia |
| Aircraft | |
| Aircraft type | Lockheed Hudson |
| Operator | Sydney Morning Herald |
| Registration | VH-SMK |
| Flight origin | Camden Airport, Camden, New South Wales, Australia |
| Destination | Dubbo Regional Airport, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupants | 2 |
| Passengers | 0 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Fatalities | 2 |
| Survivors | 0 |
On January 1, 1950, a Lockheed Hudson aircraft operated by the Sydney Morning Herald's air service crashed shortly after takeoff from Camden Aerodrome in New South Wales, Australia, resulting in the deaths of both crew members. The aircraft was on a routine flight to deliver newspapers to Dubbo when the accident occurred. [1][2][3]
Aircraft
[edit]The aircraft involved was a Lockheed Hudson, registered as VH-SMK. Originally manufactured in 1941, this aircraft's serial number was 414-6043. The Hudson series, initially designed for military purposes during World War II, was later adapted for civilian operations, including cargo and passenger transport. VH-SMK had been repurposed by the Sydney Morning Herald for the aerial distribution of newspapers across various regions in New South Wales. [4][2]
Accident
[edit]In the early hours of January 1, 1950, at approximately 12:57 AM, VH-SMK departed from Camden Aerodrome in Camden, embarking on its scheduled flight to Dubbo. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to an altitude of about 150 feet, the aircraft suddenly nosed down and crashed approximately 200 yards from the runway. Upon impact, the plane burst into flames and was completely destroyed. Both crew members, Captain Richard Eric Cruickshanks, aged 24, and First Officer Robert Bruce Purvis, aged 22, were killed instantly. [5][2][4][1]
Investigation
[edit]The Civil Aviation Department promptly initiated an investigation into the crash, with officials arriving at the scene within hours. Initial reports indicated that flying conditions over Camden Airport were "only fair" at the time of the accident. However, the exact cause of the crash remained undetermined. It was noted that the aircraft's total weight exceeded the maximum takeoff weight by 150 to 300 kilograms, and evidence suggested that the right engine was not operational upon impact. Despite these findings, neither factor was conclusively identified as a contributory cause. Additionally, it was discovered that although Captain Cruickshanks was qualified to operate the Hudson, he did not possess a valid license at the time of the accident.[4]
Reactions
[edit]The aviation community and the public expressed profound sorrow following the accident. A Civil Aviation Department official emphasized the unpredictable nature of aviation, stating, "Despite rigorous safety measures, unforeseen tragedies can still occur, reminding us of the constant need for vigilance in the skies." A representative from the Sydney Morning Herald conveyed the organization's grief, noting, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of two esteemed members of our air service team. Our thoughts are with their families during this difficult time." These sentiments highlighted the collective mourning and the recognition of the sacrifices made by those involved in aviation operations. [1][3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "NEWSPAPER PLANE IN FATAL CRASH". Cairns Post. 1950-01-02. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ a b c Ranter, Harro. "Accident Lockheed 414-08 Hudson IVA VH-SMK, Sunday 1 January 1950". asn.flightsafety.org. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ a b "The Sydney Morning Herald - Recherche d'archives de Google Actualités". news.google.com. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ a b c "Crash of a Lockheed L-414-08 Hudson IVA in Camden: 2 killed | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives". www.baaa-acro.com. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
- ^ "TWO PILOTS KILLED IN PLANE CRASH". Mercury. 1950-01-02. Retrieved 2025-02-07.