VH-AKI (2)  Stinson 108-3 Voyager                              (c/n 108-5115)

                                      

                                           This Stinson was imported as VH-AKH the third in December 1955 by A.K.Hewson of Long-
                                           reach, Qld.      It must have been one of the first imports from the US following the lifting of the
                                           embargo on dollar expenditure.        In 1959 -AKH was sold to the Tasmanian Aero Club of
                                           Hobart and reregistered VH-AKI.   Doubtless Mr. Hewson wanted the -AKH rego for the new
                                           Bonanza he was importing.   Correspondent Lindsay Miller advises that the aircraft was originally
                                           chocolate brown and white, but had been repainted all white with red trim and the club's stripes
                                           on the rudder when the above shot was taken at Launceston's Western Junction Airport, circa 1960   
                                           In September of that year, after a long descent from the Great Lake the aircraft probably suffered
                                           carburetor icing, lost power on approach to Western Junction's runway 32, landed short and finish-
                                           ed up nose down and inverted in the railway cutting         None of four on board were injured.
                                           However, -AKI was written off and parts of her used in the restoration of Stinson L5 VH-BFR.