DC-4 Crash

[Winthrop]

So perhaps I am naive, but what surprised me most here was that a DC-4 was still working:
Fairbanks-area neighborhood shaken by DC-4 Crash

 

[rotorwrench]

what surprised me most here was that a DC-4

Theres also C46s and DC3s still working up there. Theres nothing really that can replace them in that role. And each airframe loss heavily impacts the state wide supply system especially with remote fuel deliveries.

Unfortunately, I believe that was the last C54 (DC4) still in commercial ops. Its sister-ship ran off the runway 4 years ago and was damaged beyond repair.

 

[Winthrop]

Kinda cool that these things still work, but it does seem risky. I remember as a child being on a scheduled DC-3 flight and being a bit surprised by that. Though I guess without pressurization these airframe last longer.

 

[rotorwrench]

but it does seem risky.

Not really. The main problem is parts for these large older aircraft. Other than that they continue to prove their worth. Unfortunately as these older aircraft like the DC4, DC3, DC6, etc leave operational service it puts many people that live in remote location in a difficult position as there are no modern aircraft that can replace their operational abilities at the same cost.

 

[rotorwrench]

Preliminary Report out:
Alaska Air Fuel C-54