This DC-3 was originally ordered by American Airlines, but instead diverted to the USAAF and modified as a C-49J. The plane was built at the Santa Monica plant in California and delivered as 43-1973 in November 1942, remaining with the USAAF for most of the war as a troop transporter. It was SOC in April 1945 and converted to a DC-3 for Eastern Airlines. It later also flew with several other civilian operators before being purchased by NEAM in November 1992, with a total of 55,434 flying hours. The frame recently underwent a four-year restoration and is now on display in the Civil Hangar.