Aircraft Photo of 17171 | Douglas C-117D (DC-3S) | USA - Navy | AirHistory.net #456654
Aircraft
Registration / Serial:17171
Military Code:171
Aircraft Original Type:Douglas DC-3
Aircraft Generic Type:Douglas DC-3 (C-47 Skytrain/Dakota)
Aircraft Version:Douglas C-117D (DC-3S)
C/n (msn):43309
Operator Titles:USA - Navy
Location
City / Area:Sólheimasandur [ Off-Airport ]Map
Country:Iceland
 
Photo Date:28 April 2022
Photo by:Jonathan Verschuuren
Photo ID: 456654
Photo Comment

On 21 November 1973, this USN C-117D had to land on a frozen river in a lava field in Southeastern Iceland. The aircraft was operating out of Keflavik at the time. Everybody survived the incident, but the aircraft was lost. Most of the remains were left on the site. You can still walk there if you want (takes a couple of hours back and forth), but they now also operate a bus that brings you there. For birdwatchers: the area is a famous breeding ground for the great skua (do not approach their nests: they will attack you!).

This photo is copyright © Jonathan Verschuuren, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

It was added on 28 April 2022, and has since been viewed 237 times.


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