The G-AUDH story

G-AUDH was a Bristol Tourer. When it crashed into the sea just off Port Hedland in July 1924, passenger Keith McKay was killed. Pilot LE Taplin and mechanic Geo Wilson were injured.

The crashed G-AUDH was completely rebuilt at Maylands Aerodrome and given a new registration as Bristol G-AUDZ.

A 1927 photo of Bristol G-AUDZ includes the two fitter mechanics (Geo Darnley, Dave Colquhuon) substantially involved in the rebuild. In the 1927 photo of G-AUDZ about to flight test, Dave Colquhoun is in the cockpit giving the engine a run. while Civil Aviation Department inspector Jack Howard makes his final inspection.

 

From our Frank Colquhoun collection

Our Frank Colquhoun collection includes:

  • FC 011. B&W photograph. 1924. Port Hedland. Wreckage of Bristol Tourer G-AUDH which went into the sea just offshore to the township. LE Taplin (pilot), Keith McKay (passenger), Geo. Wilson (mechanic). Taplin and Wilson injured but survived. Keith McKay was killed. Geo. Wilson jumped from the aircraft before it hit the water which saved his life. This image also appears on page 9 of Frank Colquhoun’s 2001 book Cockpit and Spanner.
  • Frank Colquhoun Album 1926 to 1930 – page with 4 images.
    Image 3. Bristol G-AUDH at Maylands Airfield. Bert Heath in the front cockpit, rear seat passenger not identified.

For more information

See our G-AUDH Flickr Album for digitised images and other digitised information.

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