Home DC-3 Individual Aircraft History C/N 11926
 

C/N 11926

USAAF 42-92157
RAF FL565
SAAF 6873

ZS-NTE

 

 

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INFORMATION BELOW FROM SAAF MUSEUM SWARTKOP 18 January 2010

Compiled by Captain Leon Steyn, Research Officer, Air Force Museum.

With acknowledgement - Reg Rivers Collection via the Air Force Museum, Swartkop

C-47A-1-DK

DC-3C Mk4

 

Date

Manufactured Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Contract number W535-AC-2405

24 Sept 1943

Delivered to USAAF Serial number 42-92157

20 Jan 1944

Transferred to RAF Middle East Serial number FL565

 

On strength 28 Squadron SAAF

1 October 1945

Transferred to SAAF Serial number 6873 - 5 Wing, 28 Squadron, Shuttle service (Germiston)

28 Nov 1947

1 Air Depot, Voortrekkerhoogte

2 June 1950

15 Air Depot, Snake Valley, Long term storage

6 Aug 1960

11 Air Depot, Ysterplaat

19 Jan 1966

1 Air Depot, Voortrekkerhoogte

1 March 1966

25 Squadron, Ysterplaat

26 Aug 1966

1 Air Depot, Voortrekkerhoogte

13 Sept 1966

25 Squadron, Ysterplaat

8 June 1971

86 Multi-Engine Conversion Unit, Bloemspruit

9 Aug 1971

11 Air Depot, Ysterplaat

22 May 1979

25 Squadron, Ysterplaat

28 Dec 1981

Langebaanweg, Navigation School

20 Nov 1984

35 Squadron, DF Malan Airport

1995

Armscor Tender for sale

1995

Sold to Aero Rebuilds (W. Gale & J. Gaylord)

11 May 1995

Registered ZS-NTE

June 2002

Springbok (Flippie Vermeulen)

2009

Restoration to flying condition begins in hangar 5 at Rand Airport

6 September 2010 First test flight post restoration. Airborne at Rand Airport at about 12:15 for a 15 minute test flight
18 September 2010

Second test flight. Airborne at Rand at 10:00 for just over 1 hour.

Brendan Odell wrote: Very successful test flight - everyone very happy!

Total working time - 10 months
Average work force - 4 men

9 April 2015

Aircraft sold to Mr Peter Adrian. He is a German businessman based in Trier, Germany see media release

25 May 2015

Departed Rand Aiport for ferry flight.

 

General remarks

Airframe hours on 14 April 1994 = 11954.7 hrs

The first Dakota to be fitted with radar equipment in the SAAF (Radio MRV-1, VHF, Electrical system: 24 volt) dubbed Dakleton replacing the Avro Shackleton at 35 Squadron at the end of 1984.

Colour scheme for maritime duties, white top of fuselage and sea blue on the rest of the fuselage and mainplanes.

 

 

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History of Douglas C-47A “Dakota” ZS-NTE
By Brendan Odell
October 2012

 
c/n 11926

This aircraft was built at the Douglas Aircraft Corporation plant at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in the USA under Contract number W535-AC-2405 for the United States Army Air Force (USAAF), as a model C-47A-1-DK. It was test flown and delivered to the USAAF on the 24th of September 1943 as USAAF serial number 42-92157.It was transferred under the “lend-lease” agreement between the USA and Great Britain to the Royal Air Force and was transferred as such to RAF Middle East on the 20th of January 1944 and given RAF serial number FL565.Under RAF terminology it was designated a Douglas “Dakota” Mk III.

It was immediately transferred to 28 Squadron South African Air Force (SAAF) Transport Squadron, Mediterranean Theatre, then based at Castel Benito in western Libya. It operated flights throughout the Mediterranean region, in particular Bari (Italy), Ras-el-Ma (Morocco) and Rabat-Sale (Morocco).From June 1944 it was based at Maison Blanche, Algiers, Algeria continuing cargo and passenger flights throughout the Mediterranean area.

The final air assault in Italy, launched on 9 April 1945, was spearheaded by fighter-bombers of Nos 7 and 8 Wings, 5 Sqn, medium bombers of No 3 Wing and the Army co-operation Sqn. Liberators of No 2 wing and Baltimores of No 15 Sqn operated by night. The surrender of the German force on 2 May 1945 brought an end to a relentless pursuit which had taken the SAAF squadrons without a break from El Alamein through Tunis and Sicily to the Alps. The aircraft remained at Maison Blanche until September 1945, when it was flown Rand Airport in South Africa and serialised 6873 with the SAAF, on the 1st of October of that year. It was then impressed, still with 28 squadron, into no 5 wing and used on the “Shuttle Service” or “Springbok Shuttle” ferrying service men home from World War II. The service was extended to Cairo as the war progressed and eventually through the north of Africa to Bari and Rome by the time Dakotas were in use.
 
 
 

28_Squadron_badge_SAAF

 
 
The Shuttle Service was greatly expanded at the war’s end, the intention being the return of all South African troops by Christmas 1945. The Dakotas of 5 Wing were joined by additional Dakotas of 28 Sqn as they returned home from the war zone. By 25 January 1946 some 101 676 passengers had been carried.

 
 
Refuelling_at_Tabora_Tanzania_1945
Refuelling at Tabora, Tanzania, 1945.

 
 
It probably flew the most concentrated long distance flying at this time in its life – flying between Pretoria and Cairo. In favourable weather, the journey down the length of the Africa was completed in 32 flying hours. Staging posts such as Kisumu, Tabora, Chingola, Juba, Kumala, Wadi Seidna and Khartoum would be expected to supply fuel for the aircraft, as well as food and accommodation for several hundred men each day. All 5 Wing aircraft were marked with a 4-letter code on the fuselage side in yellow.

Here is a typical routing;

Zwartkop Air Station – Bulawayo
Bulawayo – Ndola
Ndola – Kasama
Kasama – Tabora
Tabora – Kisumu
Kisumu – Juba
Juba – Malakal
Malakal - Khartoum
Khartoum - Wadi Halfa
Wadi Halfa – Cairo
Cario - El Adem
El Adem - Marble Arch
Marble Arch - Castel Benito
Castel Benito – Malta
Malta – Bari
Bari – Rome

(Then the aircraft would turn around and fly the identical, return route)

 
 
Interior_Springbok_Shuttle_Service_Dakota_returning_from_Europe-North_Africa
Interior of a Springbok Shuttle Service Dakota returning from Europe/North Africa.

 
 
It was placed in temporary storage by 1 Air Depot based at Roberts Heights (later Voortrekkerhoogte and subsequently Thaba Tshwane) on 28 November 1947. It was later placed in long term storage, just on the other side of Zwartkop Air Station, at Snake Valley, by 15 Air depot on 2 June 1950. It remained in long term storage for 10 years, and was successfully flown to AFB Ysterplaat on 6 August 1960 and taken to 11 Air depot, before returning to 1 Air Depot at Voortrekkerhoogte on 19 January 1966. It began a new life and service at 25 squadron at Ysterplaat on 13 September 1966. On 8 June 1971 it was transferred to 86 Multi Engine Conversion Unit at AFB Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein.

 
 
SAAF_Dakota_6873_cruising_on_the_Highveld_circa_1967
6873, cruising on the Highveld circa 1967.

 
 
On the 28th of December 1981 the aircraft was transferred to the Langebaanweg Navigation School where it remained until 20 November 1984 at which time it joined 35 squadron at Cape Town. Here it was the first aircraft converted to “Dakleton” status (its service followed the retirement of the much newer Avro Shackleton Mk 3s) as a maritime patrol aircraft. This involved extensive modification of the airframe and systems and conversion to SAAF “Dakota MkIV” status. It was the first Dakota to be fitted with radar equipment in the SAAF.

 
 
SAAF_Dakota_6873_on_maritime_patrol_circa_1989
6873 on maritime patrol circa 1989.

 
 
In 1995 the aircraft was placed for sale by tender by Armscor together with its sister ship, 6848. Both aircraft were sold to Wally Gale and John Gaylard of Aero Rebuilds at Rand Airport and registered ZS-NTE and NTD respectively.

The aircraft received a cursory Check V and was placed in service, still in its blue SAAF colours, as ZS-NTE. It was re-flown on the 1st of August 1995.On the 23rd of May 1996 it was ferried to Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it was based for some time. It operated cargo flights in the Eastern DRC, destinations included Kalemie, Manono, Fungurume, Kamina base, Kabalo, Dilolo and Mbuji Mayi. On the 22nd of March 1997 it departed Dilolo via Ndola for Rand Airport arriving at Rand Airport 8 hours and 30 minutes flying time later. The total airframe since the 24th of September 1943 was just 12438 hours.

The aircraft had some small defects, which were not rectified- and the aircraft was parked. Later Mr. Gale passed away and the business he and Mr. Gaylard owned was liquidated. In 2002 the aircraft, by now partly dismantled was sold at auction to Captain Flippie Vermeulen. The aircraft was inspected and stripped pending restoration. It was then placed in storage for the next seven years.

 
 
ZS-NTE_Outside_the_old_Aero_Air_Hangar_prior_to_auction_2002
Outside the old Aero Air Hangar prior to auction 2002.

 
 
Restoration commenced on 5 April 2009, with aircraft receiving a very comprehensive Check V and conversion to modern standards. As a point of interest, during structural repairs, at least three bullet holes of small calibre were repaired in the left nacelle and aft fuselage.

 
 
ZS-NTE_November_2009_90_percent_restored
November 2009, 90% restored.

--------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

11926 SAAF 6873 Don East

C/N 11926
SAAF 6873
Operated by 27 Squadron.
Taken in the mid 1960s along the west coast of the southern Cape.

Photograph: Don East

11926 6873 Karel Zaayman

C/N 11926

SAAF 6873

Photograph: Karel Zaayman

11926 6873 1960s SAAFM Swartkop

C/N 11926

SAAF 6873

Photograph: South African Air Force Museum Swartkop

11926 6873 Etienne du Plessis

C/N 11926

SAAF 6873

Photograph: Etienne du Plessis

11926 6873 1980s SAAFM Swartkop

C/N 11926

SAAF 6873

Photograph: South African Air Force Museum Swartkop

11926 6873 Rand 1995 SAAFM Swartkop

C/N 11926

SAAF 6873

At Rand Airport 1995

Photograph: South African Air Force Museum Swartkop

11926 6873 and Albatros SAAFM Swartkop

C/N 11926

SAAF 6873 and SAAF Albatros 900

Photograph: South African Air Force Museum Swartkop

11926 ZS-NTE Rand 2002 SAAFM Swartkop

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

At Rand Airport 2002

Photograph: South African Air Force Museum Swartkop

11926 ZS-NTE John Miller

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Photograph: John Miller The Article Library This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 28 June 2009

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

11926 ZS-NTE Brendan Odell 004

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Brendan Odell

11926 ZS-NTE Brendan Odell 011

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Brendan Odell

 

11926 ZS-NTE Brendan Odell 0539

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Brendan Odell

 

11926 ZS-NTE Brendan Odell 024

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Brendan Odell

 

11926 ZS-NTE Brendan Odell 028

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Brendan Odell

 

11926 ZS-NTE Brendan Odell IMG0545

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Brendan Odell

 

11926 ZS-NTE 2 Springbok Flying Safaris

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Thinus van Staden

 

11926 ZS-NTE 4 Springbok Flying Safaris

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Thinus van Staden

 

11926 ZS-NTE 5 Springbok Flying Safaris

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Thinus van Staden

 

11926 ZS-NTE 6 Springbok Flying Safaris

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Undergoing restoration to flying condition in hangar 5 at Rand Airport. 2009

Photograph: Thinus van Staden

 

11926 ZS-NTE _MG_7046m 800 bruce perkins

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE Springbok Classic Air

Die Vlieénde Springbok

(Afrikaans for The Flying Springbuck)

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

 

11926 ZS-NTE 1 bruce perkins

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE Springbok Classic Air

The Flying Springbok

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

 

11926 ZS-NTE 2 bruce perkins

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE Springbok Classic Air

The Flying Springbok

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

 

11926 ZS-NTE Bruce Perkins

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE Springbok Classic Air

At Rand Airport 13 September 2009

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

 

11926 ZS-NTE 5 Bruce Perkins

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE Springbok Classic Air

At Rand Airport

14 November 2009

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

 

11926 ZS-NTE 7 Bruce Perkins

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE Springbok Classic Air

At Rand Airport

  1. November 2009

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

 

11926 ZS-NTE 6 Bruce Perkins

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE Springbok Classic Air

At Rand Airport

16 November 2009

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

 

11926 ZS-NTE 4 Bruce Perkins

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE Springbok Classic Air

At Rand Airport

  1. November 2009

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

11926 ZS-NTE 8 Bruce Perkins MG_0649m_800_copy

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE cockpit

Springbok Classic Air

At Rand Airport

4 September 2010

Photograph: Bruce Perkins

11926 ZS-NTE FAGM 18-09-2010 249 Kieran Bell

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Springbok Classic Air

2nd test flight 18 September 2010

Photograph: Kieran Bell

11926 ZS-NTE FAGM 18-09-2010 273 Kieran Bell

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Springbok Classic Air

Taxiing in afrter 2nd test flight 18 September 2010

Photograph: Kieran Bell

11926 ZS-NTE FAGM 18-09-2010 283 Kieran Bell

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Springbok Classic Air

Captain Flippie Vermeulen and Captain Lorrie Raath

After 2nd test flight 18 September 2010

Photograph: Kieran Bell

11926 ZS-NTE FAGM 18-09-2010 306 Kieran Bell

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Springbok Classic Air

Left to Right: Maryna Vermeulen, Captain Flippie Vermeulen, Peet Vermeulen, Captain Lorrie Raath, Ben Vermeulen

After 2nd test flight 18 September 2010

Photograph: Kieran Bell

11926 ZS-NTE Jaws 1

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Springbok Classic Air

At Rand Airport

18 September 2010

Photograph: John Austin-Williams

11926 ZS-NTE Jaws 2

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Springbok Classic Air

At Rand Airport

18 September 2010

Photograph: John Austin-Williams

11926 ZS-NTE Jaws 3

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE data plate on fuselage next to passenger door.

Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company

Model: Douglas DC-3C "Dakota"

Serial number: 11926

Registration: ZS-NTE

Date of manufacture: 08/1943

Operator: Springbok Classic Air (Pty) Ltd

MTOW: 26900 lbs

At Rand Airport

18 September 2010

Photograph: John Austin-Williams

11926 ZS-NTE Jaws 4

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE plaque in cockpit

Springbok Classic Air

Douglas Aircraft Corporation C-47A-1-DK (modified to RAF/SAAF Dakota IV standard), manufacturers serial number 11926 has been de-militarized and converted to Douglas DC-3 specifications, in accordance with instructions as per Type Certificate Data Sheet no A-669 Revision 30 (as revised July 27th 1999).
This conversion was completed by Springbok Aviation Services at Check V, August 2009.

18 September 2010

Photograph: John Austin-Williams

11926 ZS-NTE Air Congo Gerard Griessel IMG_7851

11926 ZS-NTE Air Congo Gerard Griessel IMG_7858

11926 ZS-NTE Air Congo Gerard Griessel IMG_7875

 11926 ZS-NTE Air Congo Gerard Griessel IMG_7900

11926 ZS-NTE Air Congo Gerard Griessel IMG_8173

Today, 19 November 2010, at Richards Bay, we had the pleasure of playing host to a movie shoot, which featured newly restored DC-3 ZS-NTE, flying through from Rand airport on it's fourth outing since restoration. The aircraft has been temporarily decorated in "Air Congo" decals for the movie, which will be removed a bit later on. A big thanks to Flippie, Peet and Ben Vermeulen who came along. Also thanks again to Richards Bay airport management and fire for assisting.

Gerard Griessel www.wild-sky.co.za
11926 ZS-NTE Ron Kosys from Propliner magazine 1 19 October 2010

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Springbok Classic Air

At Rand Airport

Brendan Odell performs final engine runs before the first commercial flight for ZS-NTE

19 October 2010

The aircraft's first commercial flight took place on 22 October 2010 and went via Lanseria to Maun in Botswana, returning on the 25th.

Photograph: Ron Kosys Propliner Magazine

11926 ZS-NTE Ron Kosys from Propliner magazine 2 19 October 2010

C/N 11926

ZS-NTE

Springbok Classic Air

At Rand Airport

Brendan Odell performs final engine runs before the first commercial flight for ZS-NTE

19 October 2010

The aircraft's first commercial flight took place on 22 October 2010 and went via Lanseria to Maun in Botswana, returning on the 25th.

Photograph: Ron Kosys Propliner Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 
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