Kyeema Memorial Cairn

On a foggy day, much like the one that sealed their fate, we stand before the Kyeema Memorial Cairn. This cairn, nestled on Mount Dandenong, remembers the eighteen souls lost aboard the Kyeema aircraft in 1938. The Kyeema, a Douglas DC-2, was en route from Adelaide to Melbourne. A thick fog enveloped the mountain. It disoriented the pilot. He tragically mistook his location, believing he was descending into Essendon Airport. Instead, the Kyeema crashed into the mountainside. The victims included a parliamentarian, Charles Hawker, lawyers, wine executives, and a honeymooning couple. The Kyeema disaster wasn’t just a tragic loss of life. It was a pivotal moment in Australian aviation history. It became a catalyst for change. The subsequent investigation highlighted the flaws in navigational practices. These relied solely on landmarks. The crash of the Kyeema, the first Australian aircraft in radio communication at the time of impact, prompted significant reforms. New regulations mandated Flight Checking Officers. They would monitor flights and advise on position, weather, and alternative landing options. The tragedy also led to the implementation of a 33MHz radio range system. This provided pilots with more accurate navigational information. The Kyeema Memorial Cairn was first erected in 1978, forty years after the tragedy. A newer memorial and cairn were unveiled in 2008 for the 70th anniversary. The ceremony included a flyover by a restored vintage DC-3. This aircraft, the Kanana, entered service just days after the Kyeema crash. An information board near the Kyeema Memorial Cairn provides further details about the tragedy. It showcases historical photographs and accounts of the crash. The Kyeema Track, a high-level walking trail, passes the memorial. It leads to Bourke’s Lookout and offers panoramic views of Melbourne. As you gaze out at the view, take a moment of silence. Remember the lives lost on that foggy day in 1938. Their loss led to critical improvements in aviation safety.