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MISCELLANEOUS SURVEY AIRCRAFT

BOEING B-17G CF-HBP
(MSN 32455)

 
Linked to larger image
Linked to larger image

Kenting B-17 CF-HBP outside Adastra's Hangar 13 at Mascot in 1958. This aircraft is now in the collection of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington.


Photo: Bob Cozens

Kenting B-17 CF-HBP outside Adastra's Hangar 13 at Mascot in 1958. Refer to the larger image for identification of Adastra personnel in the photo.



Photo: Bob Cozens

 
Kenting B-17 CF-HBP outside Adastra's Hangar 13 at Mascot in November 1958.


Photo: David Eyre

 
The Kenting Aviation B-17G CF-HBP was employed by the Geological Survey of Canada and the Canadian National Research Laboratory to undertake an aeromagnetic survey of the South Pacific region as part of the International Geophysical Year (1957-58). The aircraft was equipped with an internally mounted fluxgate magnetometer which did not require an external stinger, towed bird or coils. The survey included Australia, the Philippines and Japan and in all 22,000 line miles were flown. (Source: The Heavens Above and the Earth Beneath by John H. Hodgson, 1994)

The B-17, which was flown by Kenting's Chief Pilot, Jim Greenshields, departed Christmas Island on 22 October 1958 for Bora Bora but approximately 550 statute miles from Christmas Island the number one engine (port outer) developed fuel flow trouble and subsequently caught fire. The engine was shut down, the fire was extinguished and the aircraft turned back for Christmas Island where the engine was changed. (This information is extracted from an accident report filed with the Canadian Department of Transport on 25 October 1958)

The B-17 departed Sydney for Brisbane and Biak on 30 November 1958.