ZK-BBP  de Havilland D.H.89A Dragon Rapide        (c/n  6668)

                                       

                                              This interesting shot was taken by Ken Meeham, circa 1952.  This aircraft was formerly NZ531
                                              with the RNZAF and was sold to Airwork (NZ) Ltd in 1952.  It was operated by subsidiary
                                              South Island Airways until 1956, and was later sold to Trans Island Airways.  In 1958 it was
                                              exported to Australia becoming VH-AAG.   It was used for freight work (during which it suffered
                                              fire damage), and then passenger work.  In 1963 the aircraft was damaged (beyond economic repair)
                                              when it hit a Kangaroo on an airstrip.  It didn't do the 'roo much good, either.  VH-AAG was then
                                              used by the RAAF as a target on the Leanyea  range near Darwin in the following year.