NX14988 was the first DC-3 (DST-144). DST means Douglas Sleeper Transport, and it was the original variant of the DC-3 commercial airliner. There were no prototypes built: NX14988 was a production airplane and went to American Airlines (NC14988). At the beginning of World War II, NC14988 was placed in military service, designated C-49E Skytrooper with the serial number 42-43619. On 15 October 1942, it crashed at Chicago killing the 2-man crew and all seven passengers. Photo: McDonnell Douglas Corporation.

This is the prototype Douglas DC-3 which made the type's maiden flight from Santa Monica on 17 December 1935. It was completed as a 16-berth DST - Douglas Sleeper Transport. "Flagship Texas" was delivered to AA on 11 July 1936 and wears "Flagship Skysleeper" titles just below the four slit windows for the upper bunks. From Douglas 60 years ago.