VH-TAF
(2) Douglas
DC-4
(c/n 7469)
VH-TAF was a 'late comer' (so far as DC-4s go) to the TAA
fleet, not being acquired until
December of 1964. It was always a
freighter. It is seen above after having been withdrawn
from service, and in storage at
Essendon in May 1969, in this shot from the Gordon Reid
collection. It was also been devoid of airline titling
except for the 'Cargomaster' on the tail.
This aircraft had a long
and colorful history, both before its service with TAA and
afterwards.
Originally a C-54A-5-DO it was built for the USAAF in 1944 as
41-107450. Civilianized
in 1946, it was Braathens SAFE's LN-HAV 'Norse Explorer'. When
disposed of by TAA
it was brokered by Flying Tiger Line to Air Vietnam as
XV-NUM. On 20 February 1974
on a flight ostensibly from
Qui Non to Da Nang it was hijacked by a passenger who ignited
an explosive device
inside the cabin. The pilot diverted to Hue whereupon the
hijacker killed
himself and three other passengers.
The damage was repaired sufficiently to enable the craft
to fly to Pho-Bai,
South Vietnam where it appears to have been withdrawn from service.