Reregistered ZK-IMZ in July 2012. Bob Kerr photo

The Aeroflot markings are quite subtle: a sticker underneath the door and the Russian flag in the fin tip.

The early morning lighting definitely enhances the beauty of the this airplane. She is being readied for the day's activities which were curtailed prematurely after the No.1 engine failure. I wrote about my experiences that day in Propliner issue 70.

This is the result of a cylinder letting loose on a radial engine. It happened at the worst possible time on one of Avra Valley's relatively 'short' runways. The No.2 engine had been throttled back to simulate an engine failure. As we rotated after a 'touch and go' landing, the No.1 engine failed and, momentarily, both engines on the left side were producing little or no power. Captain Frank Lang brought the aircraft under control and we returned to Avra Valley Airport for a safe landing.