The Auster Mark 6 aircraft
The design of the Auster originated from the American Taylorcraft sports-plane of 1938 which was built in England under licence. In 1946 the British firm changed its name to Auster Aircraft Ltd., and all British models became known as the Auster AOP by the military-AOP standing for Air Observation Post.
In 1953 the Department of External Affairs purchased two Auster Mark 6's that had seen Antarctic service with the Norwegian-British-Swedish Antarctic Expedition (NBSAE) of 1949-1952. Antarctic Division director, Phil Law, had been an observer on the NBSAE and was well acquainted with the aircraft. Registered as A11-200 and A11-201 they were part of the expedition of 1954 that established Mawson station. However both aircraft were damaged by storm whilst on the Kista Dan and A11-200 was rebuilt in the ship's hold using the starboard wing from A11-201. This composite aircraft had no flaps, thus required much skill to fly. This rebuilt aircraft was later lost overboard from Kista Dan during a hurricane, however, the remains of A11-201 survived to be rebuilt by the Royal Victorian Aero Club. Repurchased by the department for the 1955/56 season, it provided excellent service till last used in the reconnaissance of the coast off Oates Land in February 1959.
Following its Antarctic career A11-201 was sold and operated out of Flinders Island till written off after a landing accident at Cape Barren Island in February 1964. It is quite possible the remains of this Antarctic veteran are still on the island.
Reference: Album 14 Multimedia Archive, Wilson, David Alfresco Flight: The RAAF Antarctic Experience
Further information: Australia's Antarctic aviation
