AirCentre Research - Fate of Bert Hinkler

A TRIBUTE TO AUSTRALIA'S TOP PIONEER AVIATOR
EXPERT NAVIGATOR - WORLD RECORD HOLDER - MECHANIC - DESIGNER
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BERT HINKLER'S PUSS MOTH CF-APK

Bert Hinkler purchased - for reasons that can never be really confirmed - a new Canadian Registered Puss Moth with Serial Number 2049 from the British manufacturer in April 1931

It was this aircraft that Bert perished in ~~after having actually survived the crash. He died from exposure~~ and was found by a local resident about 3-months later. Found rugged-up and 'asleep' next to a bush 80-metres from the main fuselage section

The left-wing was located 350-metres away indicating to the writer the in-flight failure would have occurred well above the ground level of the crash site which was about 6,500 feet above sea level

It is also possible that Bert was attempting an emergency landing in the only cleared space near the mountain top after he knew he was in trouble with a 'flapping' left wing - the wing then failed a few seconds before touch-down with the main section running on demolishing itself in the process - Propeller blade damage (or lack of) would be a good indication if this was in fact the case. How Bert survived the crash can only be attributed to his exceptional skill as a Pilot as seat belts were not normally used in aircraft - or cars - around this period of time

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The following images are for the record

VH-UPM

Image of VH-UPM after in-flight wing failure near Byron Bay in September 1932
The pilot Ralph Virtue along with his two passengers died at the scene

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There were 5 DH-80 'Moths' recorded as having in-flight wing failures prior to Bert's flight in 1933
The aircraft manufacturer would have been well aware of this but may not have advised Bert

The five Puss Month aircraft involved in these fatal accidents due to structural failure were
#2021 on 13/10/1930 - #2058 on 5/05/1931 - #2110 on 13/11/1931 - #2052 on 18/09/1932 (above) and Canadian built #218 on 21/03/1932

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VH-UPA

Appears to be at Bankstown airport post war - shows additional wing strut

This 'strengthening' strut indicates that at least 2 aircraft were modified post war
Refer VH-UQB previous page for number one - click on 'RETURN' link below

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Now on display at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation at Bundaberg with rego CF-APK
Production Number is #2020 - Bert's aircraft was number #2049

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