Site Beaufort A9-497

MAX DEPTH 18 Metres                DITCHED    26/11/1944         

LENGTH 13.5 M                                        WINGSPAN 17.6 M

GENERAL INFO

Beaufort A9-497 was located by the Australian Hydrographic Office during routine survey work. The aircraft had been lost after experiencing engine trouble, which forced it to turn back toward Darwin. Unfortunately, the second engine also failed, and the plane was forced to ditch into the sea.

All crew members survived the incident and successfully made their way into a dinghy. After five hours at sea, they reached land safely.

The crew was later spotted by a Catalina flying boat, and a launch was dispatched to retrieve them.

In 2023, the wreck was inspected by divers from the Northern Territory Heritage Branch and the Darwin Sub Aqua Club.

Scan of the Beaufort A9-497 ( Australian Hydrographic office)