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Photo ID: 1015027
click image to enlarge |
Model: DC-2 |
Registration: NC14278 |
| Year: 1934 |
Serial Number: 1311, 42-53530 |
| Engine(s): Wright SR1820-F series, 710 to 875-HP |
Owner: American Airlines |
| Location: Unknown |
Photographer: American Airlines, from the collection of Ken Stoltzfus |
| Date: 1934-41 |
Present Registration: None, destroyed |
Present Owner (FAA info): |
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Notes: 6/16/04 - DC-2-120, NC14278 was built for American Airlines and delivered in November, 1934. It was assigned Douglas C/N 1311 and American's fleet number 78. As pictured, it would have been operated in warmer climates, as it does not have de-ice boots. This official American Airlines photo was probably taken when the aircraft was nearly new and boots were likely installed later.
NC14278 was purchased by the British Purchasing Commission for the Royal Air Force in May 1941. It crashed on the way to India, and was subsequently given a USAAF serial number. Joe Baugher explains it this way: "42-53530, Douglas C-32A. Civilian DC-2 impressed by USAAF May/June 1942. C/N 1311 ex American Airlines NC14278. Had been sold to British Purchasing Commission May 10, 1941 and allocated RAF serial HK867. Collided with Hurricane Z4252 while landing at Hastings Site, Sierra Leone Sep 7, 1941 during ferry flight. Registered May 28, 1942 as C-32A for administrative purposes." Ahh - - I'll bet that's one of the few post-mortem assignments of a USAAF serial number that you'll ever find!
This aircraft is not to be confused with two others that were later assigned NC14278, i.e.:DC-3, c/n 4988, built for American Airlines as NC14278 but not delivered. Became C-49J, 43-1963, and subsequently NC44881, N51A and N59G. It is still on the U.S. registry, as "Sale Reported". Also C-47-DL, c/n 7366 USAAF 42-5672, subsequently NC88774, NC14278 and N14273.
The back of this photo is stamped: Please Credit American Airlines, "DC-2 Flagship in Flight", Photo #AOG-32. |
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