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Post by aussieo2 on Jan 18, 2010 10:26:35 GMT 12
I am Looking for information on a Piper Apache PA-23-160, N4329P, c/n 23-1830, which had an 'accident' at Nausori, Suva, FIJI on 13 March 1963. Think it may have been on delivery to NZ to be ZK-CEA. Accident details and fate required.
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Post by Peter Lewis on Jan 18, 2010 10:51:54 GMT 12
Not a lot to add:
ZK-CEA reg originally allotted to Piper Apache 160 N4329P c/n 23-1830 for Wellington AC, but a/c crashed at Nausori, Fiji, 13Mar63 on delivery flight.
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Post by angelsonefive on Jan 18, 2010 17:45:36 GMT 12
The Apache did not make it to the NZ register and the rego. CEA was allocated to a Pawnee.
It looks very much like the a/c was destroyed, but possibly by the time repairs were made the deal with the WAC had fallen through and the plane went elsewhere.
It may not be much help but it seems that the pilot's name was Lambert.
Further digging has shown that there is a civil air accidents file in the NZ Archives :
o/r [ overseas registration ] ( Piper Apache N.4329P, PA-23 ) Nausori, Suva, Lambert. 13/3/63.
Access to this file is restricted and the usual reason is that it contains sensitive material.
It seems likely, therefore, that the accident was a fatal one.
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Post by Peter Lewis on Jan 18, 2010 21:25:18 GMT 12
I guess if you really really need more information, it would be a good idea to check out the Fiji Times archives for March 1963.
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Post by chinapilot on Jan 18, 2010 22:03:21 GMT 12
I must be really out of touch but isn't there a 'Freedom of Information' Act in NZ...an accident that happened in 1963 still being 'sensitive'.......?
When working up there years ago I recall somebody mentioning this.
A history of civil aviation in Fiji, "Fiji's Aviation Story", has been published by Maurice Mc Greal that may have details in it.
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Post by thomarse on Jan 19, 2010 6:32:20 GMT 12
My memory tells me that it was either a landing or take-off accident and I don't think any casualties. I think I have a newspaper clipping somewhere but can't find it.
As mentioned it was most definitely on delivery to Airwork destined for the Wellington Aero Club, who ended up with our first (short-snouted at that) Aztec CEU instead.
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