Mt Superbus crash

The tragic Mt Superbus crash accident happened on April 9, 1955.

To mark the 70th Anniversary of the crash, the Killarney RSL Sub-Branch unveiled a Memorial Plaque in June 2025.
The plaque reads:

The 70th Anniversary Memorial Plaque

On the foggy morning of April 9, Easter Saturday, 1955, at around 4:15am, RAAF Lincoln Bomber A73-64 from No. 10 Squadron, Townsville, crashed into Mount Superbus, 16km northeast of Killarney. The aircraft was on a mercy flight to Brisbane, carrying two-day-old Andrea Robyn Huxley for a life-saving blood transfusion. On board were Wing Commander John Peter Costello, MID, Squadron Leader Charles Surtees Mason, MBE, and Squadron Leader John Watson Finlay, Flight Lieutenant William George Stanley Caster, and civilian Nursing Sister Mafalda Gray – all six tragically lost their lives.

Departing Townsville at 12.30am, the flight encountered difficult night conditions, including fog, cloud cover, and limited visibility. As the crew navigated south, they became unintentionally off course, believing they were approaching Brisbane. At 4:05am, they radioed Brisbane approach, requesting descent from 6,000 to 5,000 or 4,000 feet. Unbeknownst to the crew, Mount Superbus – at 4,511 feet – stood in their path. Their final message, “Roger, Roger, will do,” was followed by silence.

Bushwalkers near Emu Creek heard the sound off the aircraft overhead, then the impact and explosions. While initial search efforts were focused north due to last radio estimates, sightings of smoke and reports from bushwalkers guided authorities to the correct location. A Canberra bomber from Amberley airbase later confirmed the wreckage 300 feet below the summit. Police and bushwalking teams reached the site by late afternoon, confirming no survivors.

Subsequent investigation found no fault or error by the crew or aircraft. However, it was noted that the bomber lacked the latest navigation technology, which may have limited their positional awareness in the poor weather. This heartbreaking mission, carried out with courage and compassion, remains a lasting tribute to their service and sacrifice.

This memorial was placed here on the 70th anniversary of the crash by the Killarney RSL Sub-Branch in remembrance of those who perished.

If you would like to visit the Mt Superbus crash site – see here.

Read about Southern Downs Military History here.