Although stored when photographed it was later restored to flight until finally being withdrawn from use at Sarasota, FL., in 1987.

Delivered to the USAAF as 43-15967 in 1944. Sold as NC53596 in 1946, N53596 after 1948. In fatal crash with six killed in 1953. Rebuilt and registered as N77B. Operated by Florida Airlines from 1974 to 79. Remained in their colours Withdrawn from use at Sarasota, FL by 1987. Front fuselage seen in a scrapyard in Denver in 2005.

In 1975 Florida Airlines took over both Air South and Shawnee Airlines, because their route networks supplemented that of Florida Airlines perfectly. The two airlines continued to operate under their own names as Florida Airlines subsidiaries, but their combined routes were marketed as "The Connection". Some aircraft carried large "The Connection" titles, and often also the actual airline's name in smaller size. DC-3 N79B for example is seen here carrying small "Florida Airlines" titles on the nose and below the reg.