PIPER PA25-235 PAWNEE ZK-CEL
MSN 25-2747
(AA000059)

 

 

QAM thanks Greg Ackman for this aircraft which was donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program.



64
  Imported into New Zealand by the NZ Piper agents Airwork (NZ) Ltd., Christchurch. (Source: Peter Lewis)
    Registered ZK-CEL to Airwork (NZ) Ltd. (Source: Peter Lewis)
23JUL64
  First flight in N.Z. at Harewood, Christchurch. (Source: Janic Geelen)
26JUL64
  Delivered to Auster Air Services Ltd., Timaru. Flown by Gerald George based at Naseby until an accident near Ranfurly on 11JUN66. (Source: Janic Geelen)
11JUN66
  Damaged in forced landing near Ranfurly. (Source: Janic Geelen)
28JUL66
  After repairs, returned to Gerald George who operated it out of Naseby until this date. (Source: Janic Geelen)
    Operated by Wanganui Flying School and Air Services Ltd., Wanganui as a sprayer as they did not hold a topdressing licence. Flown by Doug Sanders until a crash at Kakatahi on 11NOV66. (Source: Janic Geelen)
26OCT66
  The aircraft hit a tree stump breaking off the spray pump. The load was dumped and the aircraft returned to base. (Source: Janic Geelen)
11NOV66
  Crashed at Kakatahi. (Source: Janic Geelen)
    After repairs at Wanganui, flown by C. Plane, Dave Patterson, Don Judd and Malcolm Parkin. (Source: Janic Geelen)
14APR68
  Sold to Wanganui Flying School and Air Services Ltd., Wanganui. (Source: Peter Lewis)
26MAR71
  Crashed at Gordonton near Hamilton while being flown by Malcolm Parkin. (Source: Janic Geelen)
02FEB72
  Sold to Aerocraft (NZ) Ltd., Palmerston North. (Source: Peter Lewis)
26JUN72
  Repairs completed by Aerocraft (NZ) Ltd of Palmerston North. The aircraft was completely dismantled and all components stripped for complete overhaul. Among several modifications incorporated was the installation of wing fuel tanks. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
28JUN72
  An airframe log book received by QAM with the aircraft (believed to be Book No 2) commences on this date with a 40 min test flight. Total Time: 2117:55. Log book shows serial number as 25-2747R and construction date as APR64. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
18JAN73
  Next flight in log book 3:50. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
18JAN73
  A "Travelling Log Book" (suitably battered and stained!) acquired by QAM with the aircraft commences on this date and concludes on 08DEC78.
26JAN73
  To Makarau Co-operative Lime Society Inc., Wellsford. (Source: Peter Lewis)
02FEB73
  Based at Warkworth and flown by D.B. Taylor until 13SEP73. (Source: Janic Geelen)
27FEB73
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
23MAR73
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
17APR73
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
04MAY73
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
30MAY73
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore. Repair carried out to bottom fuselage longerons at tail spring front attach area. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
15JUN73
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
08AUG73
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
31AUG73
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
13SEP73
  Became a spare aircraft until 21JUN74. (Source: Janic Geelen)
28OCT73
  Repair to lower stern post above rudder stops by Manawatu Aerial Topdressing Co. Ltd., Feilding. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
07NOV73
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Manawatu Aerial Topdressing Co. Ltd., Feilding.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
27NOV73
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Manawatu Aerial Topdressing Co. Ltd., Feilding.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
30NOV73
  Flown from Feilding to Kaipara Flats. (3:00)
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
11DEC73
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
17DEC73
  Annual inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
13FEB74
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
11JUN74
  Ferry flight to Dargaville (1:10) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
18JUN74
  Ferry flight from Dargaville to Ardmore (1:10) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
21JUN74
  Flown (0:30). Next flight is 23AUG74. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
23AUG74
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore. Flown (0:45)
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
04OCT74
  Last flight for 74 (1:30) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
12MAR75
  Owner changed their name to Farmers Aerial Co-operative Topdressing Society Ltd., Wellsford. (Source: Janic Geelen)
20APR75
  Next flight after 04OCT74 (2:00) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
15OCT75
  Test flight (0:50) after CofA. (Total Time: 2757:05) CofA valid from 17OCT75 to 16OCT79. Aircraft was finished principally in Daytona White. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
20OCT75
  Regular flying resumes with a ferry flight to Dargaville (1:05). (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
21OCT75
  Topdressing. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
22OCT75
  Ferry flight to Ardmore (1:00) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
27OCT75
  Flown from Ardmore to Kaipara Flats by Bert Caccinai (0:30)
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
29OCT75
  Flown from Kaipara Flats to Ardmore and return (1:00) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
05NOV75
  Flown from Kaipara Flats to Kaikohe (0:40) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
05NOV75
  Topdressing at Kaikohe (2:55) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
06NOV75
  Topdressing at Kaikohe (6:05) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
07NOV75
  Flown from Kaikohe to Ardmore (1:15) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
10NOV75
  Flown from Ardmore to Kaikohe (1:20) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
11NOV75
  Topdressing almost daily until 22NOV75. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
22NOV75
  Flown from Kaikohe to Ardmore (1:20) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
25NOV75
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore. Aircraft flown back to Kaikohe (1:20) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
26NOV75
  Topdressing almost daily until 04DEC75. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
07DEC75
  Flown to Ardmore (1:00) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
09DEC75
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
15DEC75
  Regular flying resumes. During the ensuing week, the following defects are recorded:
Nav lights u/s.
Stall warning u/s.
Port door catch slips open.
Tail wheel steering twisted.
Dust leaking in.
Mags hairy.
Brakes impossible to hold with load.
Hopper leaking. Needs adjustment.
Vent spring u/s.
Is octane rating as specified on wing?
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
30JAN76
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
10FEB76
  Flown from Ardmore to Kaipara Flats (0:40) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
25FEB76
  Flown from Kaipara Flats to Ardmore (0:35) No flying recorded since 10FEB76.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
01MAR76
  Topdressing (ex Kaikohe?) almost daily until 11MAR76. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
12MAR76
  Ferried from Kaikohe (1:10) for 100 hourly inspection by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
13MAR76
  Topdressing resumed almost daily until 27MAR76. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
31MAR76
  Flown from Kaikohe to Ardmore (1:00) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
01APR76
  Maintenance carried out by Rex Aviation (NZ) Ltd at Ardmore. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
01APR76
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
02APR76
  Regular flying resumes. During the ensuing week, the following defects are recorded:
Leaking dust around hopper (serious)
Fuel cocks keep seizing.
Tail spring-wheel assy shim missing.
Bungees fraying.
Generator not charging.
Port door catch disengages in flight.
Brakes weak holding by loader.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
14JUN76
  Flown from Ardmore to Dargaville (1:05) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
15JUN76
  Topdressing at Dargaville (6:35) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
16JUN76
  Topdressing at Dargaville (7:15) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
17JUN76
  Flown from Dargaville to Ardmore (1:05) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
28JUN76
  Flown from Ardmore to Kaipara Flats (0:45) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
JUL76
  Nil flying. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
31AUG76
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. Only flight in AUG76 (0:35) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
28SEP76
  Flown from Kaipara Flats to Ardmore and return (1:15) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
OCT76
  Nil flying. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
24NOV76
  Topressing, presumably at Kaipara Flats, until the end of November and into December. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
10DEC76
  Maintenance Release inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
27JAN77
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. Nil flying in JAN77.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
03FEB77
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
14MAR77
  Damaged in a landing accident at Kaipara Flats. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
Aircraft had been flown by Brian Wheeler from JAN77 until this date. (Source: Janic Geelen)
26MAR77
  Substantial repairs to port mainplane and port side of rear fuselage completed by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
28MAR77
  Regular flying resumed (2:05) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
06APR77
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
20MAY77
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
13JUL77
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
28SEP77
  Lycoming O540-A1B5 s/n L-11800-40 installed by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. Engine previously installed in PA32-260 ZK-DSQ.
(Source: Engine Log Book)
28SEP77
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
25OCT77
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
07NOV77
  Port wing, aileron and elevator damaged in a landing accident. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
11NOV77
  Repairs completed and regular flying resumed. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
21NOV77
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. Ferried to "KH" (1:10) (KH = Kaikohe?) same day. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
23NOV77
  Topdressing resumed to the end of November and into December.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
12JAN78
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. Nil flying in JAN78.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
11MAR78
  Flown from Whakatane to Wigram (1:00) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
13MAR78
  Topdressing daily up to and including 17MAR78. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
20MAR78
  Flown Whangarei - "AK" - Whangarei (2:20) (AK = Auckland?) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
31MAR78
  Flown "AK" - Whangarei - "AK" (2:00) (AK = Auckland?) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
31MAR78
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
29MAY78
  Flown from "AK" to Dargaville and Kaikohe (1:30) (AK = Auckland?) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
26JUN78
  Flown from Kaikohe to Ardmore (1:15) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
29JUN78
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. Ferried back to Kaikohe same day (1:15). (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
18JUL78
  Ferried from Kaikohe to Ardmore (1:10). (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
21JUL78
  50 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. Flown back to Kaikohe same day (1:10) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
11AUG78
  Flown from Kaikohe to Ardmore (1:10) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
25AUG78
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
19SEP78
  50 hourly and annual inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
OCT78
  Nil flying. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
23NOV78
  Flown Warkworth to Kaikohe (1:25) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
27NOV78
  Ferry from unknown and flown Kaikohe to Ardmore (2:25) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
01DEC78
  Flown from Ardmore to Kaikohe (1:25) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
08DEC78
  Flown from Kaikohe to Warkworth and return (2:00) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
This is the final entry in the "Travelling Log Book".
10DEC78
  Delivery to Ardmore (1:00) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
15MAY79
  Test flown at Ardmore after repairs by Dalhoff & King to corroded tubing in lower rear fuselage. The aircraft was painted white/cream with red registration and stripes.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
16MAY79
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
17MAY79
  Regular flying resumed (0:50) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
29JUN79
  Fitted with a full Transland spray system by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
18AUG79
  Withdrawn from service. (Source: Janic Geelen)
13MAY80
  Test flown (1:00) after renewal of CofA and major repairs by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. Both wings were recovered in Ceconite by Rexair at Taranaki.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
14MAY80
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
20MAY80
  Engine ground run weekly during storage period 20MAY80 to 11JUN81.
(Source: Log Book of Lycoming O540-A1B5 s/n L-11800-40)
12JUN81
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Dalhoff & King Aviation Ltd. at Ardmore. Test flown at Ardmore (1:00). Aircraft had not flown since 13MAY80. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
17SEP81
  50 hourly inspection carried out. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
23SEP81
  To Fieldair Holdings (Northern) Ltd., Thames. (Source: Peter Lewis)
02NOV81
  100 hourly inspection carried out. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
07DEC81
  To Farmers Aviation Ltd., Hawera. (Source: Peter Lewis)
Flown by Bruce Aitken who owned Farmers Aviation Ltd. (Source: Janic Geelen)
02FEB82
  100 hourly inspection carried out. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
30APR82
  100 hourly inspection carried out. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
13AUG82
  50 hourly inspection and repairs to port mainplane outboard of aileron carried out.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
17JAN83
  100 hourly inspection and annual inspection carried out by Rexair Taranaki Ltd.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
27OCT83
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Rexair Taranaki Ltd. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
20MAR84
  100 hourly inspection and annual inspection carried out by Rexair Taranaki Ltd.
(Source: Aircraft Log Book)
12FEB85
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Paul Muller Aircraft Ltd. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
21MAY85
  100 hourly inspection carried out by Paul Muller Aircraft Ltd. (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
31MAY85
  Crashed at Parihauhau. (Source: Peter Lewis)
31MAY85
  Aircraft withdrawn from service (TT 4447:10) (Source: Aircraft Log Book)
30JUN89
  To Ross Aviation Ltd., Rotorua (not rebuilt - for Ross Aviation Museum). (Source: Peter Lewis)
17JAN91
  Registration cancelled. (Source: Peter Lewis)
93
  Reported under rebuild by V & P Anderson of Katikati (after Ross Aviation Museum closed). (Source: Peter Lewis)
    To Bill Salt who started rebuilding the aircraft at Archerfield, Qld., Australia.
04OCT07
  Purchased at auction at Archerfield by Greg Ackman and loaned to QAM.
05OCT07
  Trucked to Caloundra.
03JUN11
  Donated to QAM by Greg Ackman.

 

Compiled by Ron Cuskelly

 



 


ISSUE
DATE
REMARKS
9
25FEB10
Added an image of the aircraft at Wanganui, NZ in June 1966 thanks to Peter Garlick.
8
12FEB10
Added two images of the aircraft at Hawera, NZ in 1984 thanks to Deane Baunton.
7
19DEC09
Added an image of the aircraft on display.
6
21NOV09
Added an image of the aircraft under restoration.
5
12NOV09
Added an image of the aircraft under restoration.
4
30JAN08
Added details of accidents on 11JUN66 and 11NOV66 thanks to Janic Geelen.
3
23JAN08
Additions to history thanks to Janic Geelen (specialist on NZ ag aviation).
2
28OCT07
History greatly expanded after examination of aircraft log books.
1
07OCT07
Original issue