Aircraft Photo of VH-BPE | Douglas DC-6 | British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines - BCPA | AirHistory.net #586292
Aircraft
Registration / Serial:VH-BPE
Aircraft Original Type:Douglas DC-6
Aircraft Generic Type:Douglas DC-6 (C-118/R6D/Liftmaster)
Aircraft Version:Douglas DC-6
C/n (msn):43125 / 131
Operator Titles:British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines - BCPA
Location
Location:In Flight
Region / Country:California, United States
 
Photo Date:November 1948 to December 1948
Photo from:AirHistory.net Photo Archive
Photo ID: 586292
Photo Comment

A pre-delivery publicity shot of the ill-fated VH-BPE. On October 29, 1953 it flew into the ground while on approach to San Francisco killing all 19 onboard including renowned violinist William Kapell. The accident led to the end of BCPA, owned by the Australian, New Zealand and British governments. Qantas took over the trans-Pacific route and TEAL, a joint NZ-Australian airline, took over BCPA's remaining DC-6s as it prepared to end flying boat services. Photo from: National Library of Australia

This photo was added on 16 July 2023, and has since been viewed 385 times.


Submit Correction