VH-AFP  Beech D17S    (c/n  357)

                         
 
                              The above photograph is from the Ian Leslie collection and illustrates VH-AFP whilst in the
                              service of Connellan Airways.  (I especially like the Chevvy Ute).  Originally built as a D17A
                              and registered in the US as NC20778, it entered Australia in 1941 and was immediately
                              pressed into service with the RAAF as A39-2.  After hostilities ended it reverted to its rightful
                              owner, Connellan.  For a  more detailed description of the above photograph and a history of
                              VH-AFP go to
                                       http://www.airwaysmuseum.com/Connellan%20Beech%20D17S%20VH-AFP.htm
                              A later image (below) was taken by John Hopton (photo via Geoff Goodall) at Moorabbin in
                              December 1961.  The Beech was owned at the time by Tadgell Aviation of Toowomba, Qld
                              and used for crop seeding.  It struck a tree and crashed on 22 December 1963 while seeding
                              at Springton, near Dingo,  Qld.  Sadly the pilot was killed. The burnt out airframe of this Stagger-
                              wing was located in April 2007 at the remote crash site and collected by Staggerwing enthusiast
                              Cameron Hanley and trucked to his hangar at Caboolture, Qld where he is rebuilding Beech
                              C17B VH-UXP.