The Australian Hydrographic Office has made a remarkable historical discovery during a routine hydrographic survey near the coast of Darwin, Northern Territory.
Operating under the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the office identified an intact World War II Beaufort Bomber aircraft as part of its HydroScheme Industry Partnership Program (HIPP).
HIPP is a commercial acquisition initiative designed to support national charting priorities through focused hydrographic surveys. The program emphasizes efficient, effective, and sustainable data collection, incorporating oceanographic and marine geophysical research to enhance Australia’s marine navigation and safety efforts.
According to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the aircraft was lost during a mission in 1944. Based on crash reports, the location, and the condition of the wreck, it was identified as the Beaufort A9-497, which belonged to the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) 1 Squadron.
Operating out of Gould Airfield, approximately 100 kilometers south of Darwin, the Beaufort A9-497 undertook a variety of missions, including offensive operations over Japanese-held territory in Timor-Leste and convoy protection across northern Australia.
On November 26, 1944, the aircraft suffered engine failure, forcing an emergency water landing. All four crew members survived and were rescued the following day.
The wreck remains remarkably intact, with the cockpit’s throttles, gauges, and cables still in place. Both engines and propellers are preserved, and the gun turret, complete with its machine gun, remains pointed to port.
The ADF has announced that the Beaufort A9-497 will remain undisturbed underwater, under the management of the Northern Territory Government.
“We were aware of some shipwrecks in the area, but as the sonar image unfolded, it became clear we had discovered an intact aircraft,” said Chief Surveyor Charles Collins, who led the survey. “The level of detail in the data was astonishing, and it was thrilling to uncover and be part of this find.”
Hydrographic surveys continue to enhance the understanding of marine environments, from historic wreck discoveries to identifying safer navigation routes.
