Warbird Information Exchange

Ok, so I need to determine the current status of N427W, a DC-3 that is currently registered to someone in Atlanta.

I'm rebuilding a Travel Air 4000, originally registered...you guessed it - N427W and I'm trying to reaquire this N-number. It's registered to the said DC-3 but there is NO activity history on the airplane in the past 20 years and it is currently listed as 'Sale Reported' and 'Certificate Terminated' - who can tell me about this airplane? If it is destroyed or moved out of the country then I can have my N-number! Thanks in advance.

_________________
Ryan Pemberton
www.pembertonandsons.com

This may help.

Status: Final
Date: 12 JUN 1979
Time: 07:23
Type: Douglas DC-3D
Operator: Bradley Aviation
Registration: N427W
C/n / msn: 43073
First flight: 1946
Crew: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2
Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0
Total: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2
Airplane damage: Written off
Airplane fate: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL (United States of America)
Phase: Initial climb (ICL)
Nature: Unknown
Departure airport: Fort Lauderdale-Executive Airport, FL (FXE), United States of America
Destination airport: ?
Narrative:
The DC-3 lifted off prematurely and climbed with the gear still extended. The plane eventually stalled and spun to the ground. The pilot didn't posses the required DC-3 type rating. The DC-3 had been imported from Panama but no certificate of airworthiness had been issued yet.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
pilot in command - premature lift-off
pilot in command - failed to obtain/maintain flying speed
FACTOR:
pilot in command - failed to follow approved procedures,directives,etc.
Sources:
» NTSB

I had found that NTSB report but what I haven't been able to determine is if the airplane has been active again since. If it hasn't then I should be a shoe-in to get the N-number, but if it has been active then I've got some work to do. Thanks!

_________________
Ryan Pemberton
www.pembertonandsons.com

Ryan,

I think you're good. According to AeroTransport.org, the aircraft was destroyed in the accident referenced above and the FAA's records show that the certificate was terminated. They're usually pretty good with tracking aircraft operations, so if they show it destroyed at FLL, then it was probably a total loss and scrapped.

Sweet - that's what I'm hoping for. Now I've just got to jump through a few flaming hoops and over a pool full of sharks and I should be good to go. Thanks for the help guys!

_________________
Ryan Pemberton
www.pembertonandsons.com