DC-3 story

[JohnB]

A unexpected DC-3 story from a general news website. Hopefully it will teach non-aviation folks a thing or two.

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifest ... -colombia/

[soko121]

Interesting story, i have had many such "slight problems" in a DC-3 and it never fell out of the sky on me........

Simon

[SaxMan]

They'll fall out of the sky if you stall them.

Unrelated question: Did the military version (C-47) come equipped with self-sealing tanks? I know self-sealing tanks were used for combat aircraft, but were they also used for transports?

[soko121]

They did not have self sealing tanks. The Tanks are aluminum and under the center section within 4 stress panels. Most early passenger DC-3's were 3 tank planes, then 4 tanks, total 800 US Gal usable for the 4 tank plane.

[Pathfinder]

Did the military version (C-47) come equipped with self-sealing tanks?

I have reference in the late 1944-early 1945 war diary of IXTCC Pathfinder Group that planes (C-47A and B) were being pulled off the ramp to have self-sealing tanks installed.

[Tom_W]

By September 1944, just prior to 'Market-Garden' the Group, Squadron and Flight Commanders' C-47s of most US Troop Carrier Command aircraft in the ETO had self-sealing tanks fitted according to some of the Unit Diaries I've seen as Dave has referred to in his post. Whether any were factory-fitted is another question I'd be interested to know as they were usually fitted as field modifications from what I've seen.

Tom

[Warbird Kid]

Just looked at an aerial view of the airport at Villavicencio. Holy crap. There are ALOT of C-47s/DC3s there. Someone should go and get that PBY out of there.

[patelie]

in March 1945, twelve aircraft from 79th TCS - 436th TCS were equipped with self-sealing gas tanks.
In March 1945 !

[soko121]

Looks like i learned something today !!
thanks guys
Simon

[PbyCat-Guy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-F-cBF5ZbQ

[PbyCat-Guy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-F-cBF5ZbQ Reminds me of the part in "Major League" when the Indians are put on a DC-3 and the pilot is shown wrapping duct tape around the prop....

[Pathfinder]

VIdeographer---GENIUS!! Thanks for shooting the data plate!

20548 43-16082 DJun44 - no card - USAF-, St Davis Monthan (Dec69 to
May72)-N17779De Air Parts Oct72 - Bay Avn Svces (1973 to Jun77) -
Hankins Air Svce Inc, Jackson, MI (Jun79) - At Beach (Oct79) -
Aquarious Gift Shop Inc, El P. TX, R22Jul80.


24FEB45 C-47A 43-16082 810AAFBU Laurinburg-Maxton AB TCC GAC BL [parked aircraft] USA NC Laurinburg-Maxton AAB

Accident Report indicates that it was the victim of a collision (while unoccupied).

Would appear to indicate that she didn't go overseas during the war.