Ex N691RF, CF-OWE, RCAF 11074. Became N222FT and still current in 2023. What I took to be (and hoped was) a flypast before touch down turned out to be a too-high landing approach, which very nearly ended in tragedy when it struck a buoy, tearing off the port wingtip.

Seen shortly before being re-registered N69RF. Still active as N222FT at time of upload

Aside from regular work, this Canso would also be an emergency spare engine source for the DC-3 fleet. It was sold in December 1983.

Registered 12 June 2014.

Built by Canadian Vickers in 1944 for the RCAF as tail number 11074 and exported as N691RF in January 1984. Restored as C-FOWE in September 1985 then exported again and became N222FT in March 1989.

This Catalina hit a steel buoy on landing in Plymouth Sound.

After a smooth if rather late touchdown this Catalina veered starboard and smashed its port wingtip and float off on a steel harbour buoy. It spun round ,started shipping water and had to be towed to a slipway where it sank. Rebuilt at the old RAF Mount Batten seaplane base in the sound it was flown out some months later. Owner Bob Franks and passengers weren't seriously hurt, and the Catalina was still flying by 2020 (as N222FT).

A long smooth approach followed by a spectacular but non fatal collision with a marker buoy. This was one of two PBY Catalinas celebrating 75 years of US Naval Aviation with a recreation of a 1919 Atlantic crossing by USN Curtiss NC flying-boats. Owned by Robert Franks.

Originally delivered to the RCAF, this Canso went civilian in 1961. Shown here with Ilford Riverton Airways a few years before becoming a private warbird. Became N69RF in 1990 and N222FT in 2000.