US Air Force C-54A 42-72284 flew post war as N90444 with American Airlines , US Overseas Airlines, Flying Tiger Line and Mercer Enterprises. The aircraft came to Canada in 1969 (CF-GNI) with Great Northern Airways and later Eldorado Aviation. Pictured with Aero Trades Western (1980 - 83), it moved to Soundair before flying with Air North after 1988. On August 14, 1996 leaving Bronson Creek, BC an engine caught fire that spread to the wing and the aircraft crashed in the Iskut River, the three crew escaping the wreckage. Unfortunately the captain went missing and was presumed drowned.

Our group had a pleasure flight in it. Delivered to the USAAF as 42-72284 in 1944. To American Airlines as N90444 in 1946. Used by other operators after 1954. Sold as CF-GNI in 1969. Reregistered as C-FGNI by 1980. To Air North in 1988. Crashed after take off from Bronson Creek in 1996.

In 1996, while with Air North, it suffered a terminal accident after take-off from Bronson Creek. The No.2 engine caught fire then separated from the wing. Despite full power on the remaining three engines and full deflection of rudder and aileron controls in an attempt to prevent yawing or rolling, the aircraft came down in a river bed. Must have been a terrifying experience for the crew.

Operated by Soundair with a small Emery sticker.

Ex USAF 42-72284. Served American Airlines February 1946 until sale to US Overseas in June 1954. Visiting Ringway on a charter flight. Sold in 1965.