Topdressing DC 3 ZK-AOI

To break up the avalanche of microlights I will try to alternate with posts on other aircraft from the new Zealand register, starting with this:

Douglas C-47B-45-DK (c/n 16966/34226)

Built by Douglas Aircraft Co, Oklahoma City, OK with 2x 1200HP 14-cyl R-1830-92 Twin Wasp radial 45-963 engines 

23 Jul 1945 USAAF but diverted under “lend-lease” Exported to New Zealand flown to New Zealand.

NZ3532 17 Aug 1945 RNZAF 1 ASU, Hamilton

40 Sqn, RNZAF Whenuapai 

 Aug 1946 41 Sqn, RNZAF Whenuapai 

 19 Feb 1947 Air Secretary, Air Department, Wellington 

ZK-AOI 5 Apr 1947 New Zealand National Airways Corp, Wellington, named “Papua” converted to freighter by Airwork (NZ) Ltd  Converted to passenger configuration.  Apr 1964 Converted to Skyliner upgrade Jul 1966 wfu @ 22,758 hrs FT 

20 Dec 1966 to James Aviation Ltd, Hamilton converted to topdresser Used as topdresser from Mar 1967 to Feb 1969 then stored Flown by Don Thorp from Feb 1970 11 May 1971 Southern Air Super Ltd, Palmerston North (based at Blenheim mostly) Starboard wing broke off in flight between engine and wingtip and crashed into head of Ure River, Marlborough (1 killed) 23 Feb 1973 Cancelled 10 May 1973 (@ 1102 hrs Topdressing).