Aircraft fuselage cutaway section [Lockheed Model 10A Electra ZK-AFD presented as ZK-AGK]
Maker and role
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Manufacturer
National Airways Corporation, Commissioned by
Union Airways of New Zealand Limited, Commissioned by
Production date
1937
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
1982.756
Maker
Production period
Description
Cutaway fuselage only, monocoque construction where the load is carried by the skin of light alloy. All metal stressed skin. Passenger load 10 in an non-pressurised cabin. Cockpit area seats 2. The instrument panels are missing. 12 seats are stored in the fuselage compartment. The fuselage interior is lined with a white fabric.
Brief History
Initially purchased by Union Airways and named "KUAKA" (Godwit) ZK-AFD was used for postal and passenger services. The aircraft arrived in New Zealand on 18 May, 1937 and its first flight was completed several weeks later on 3 June 1937.
On 5 May 1943, after departing Taieri, Dunedin, ZK-AFD entered low cloud, heavy mist and rain. The plane crashed into the side of Flagstaff Hill, coming to rest among gorse bushes. The nine passengers, the co-pilot and the pilot were injured however there was no loss of lives. News of the crash was triggered when radio contact was lost, and Police and the Army were notified. 90 minutes later the crash site was identified and the injured occupants attended to. Airforce Guards were stationed around the crash site and the damaged aircraft was removed by truck the next day.
The aircraft was rebuilt and was back in service again, flying out from Taieri on 11th August 1943. ZK-AFD was sold by Union Airways to NAC, who purchased the aircraft in 1947. It operated until 1950 when it was retired and sold to Rural Aviation (New Plymouth). Following this, ZK-AFD was sold to scrap dealers, which resulted in part of the airframe becoming a children's playground.
After coming to MOTAT, ZK-AFD was restored with the decision to present it as ZK-AGK "KAKA" in commemoration of the NAC Electra which was involved in a fatal air crash on 23 October, 1948. ZK-AGK crashed with 13 people on board.
On 5 May 1943, after departing Taieri, Dunedin, ZK-AFD entered low cloud, heavy mist and rain. The plane crashed into the side of Flagstaff Hill, coming to rest among gorse bushes. The nine passengers, the co-pilot and the pilot were injured however there was no loss of lives. News of the crash was triggered when radio contact was lost, and Police and the Army were notified. 90 minutes later the crash site was identified and the injured occupants attended to. Airforce Guards were stationed around the crash site and the damaged aircraft was removed by truck the next day.
The aircraft was rebuilt and was back in service again, flying out from Taieri on 11th August 1943. ZK-AFD was sold by Union Airways to NAC, who purchased the aircraft in 1947. It operated until 1950 when it was retired and sold to Rural Aviation (New Plymouth). Following this, ZK-AFD was sold to scrap dealers, which resulted in part of the airframe becoming a children's playground.
After coming to MOTAT, ZK-AFD was restored with the decision to present it as ZK-AGK "KAKA" in commemoration of the NAC Electra which was involved in a fatal air crash on 23 October, 1948. ZK-AGK crashed with 13 people on board.
Marks
KAKA Printed
Other name
KUAKA
Credit Line
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation et al. 1937. Aircraft fuselage cutaway section [Lockheed Model 10A Electra ZK-AFD presented as ZK-AGK], 1982.756. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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