Delivered as a Convair 340 to National Airlines registered N8417H in 1953, this is another Convairliner that went to Allegheny Airlines. Bought in 1960, Allegheny first upgraded the aircraft to a 440 and further to 580 standard in 1966. Bought by Aspen Airways in 1976 , they flew it until 1989. Finally going to going to South America in 1991 with AVESCA Colombia as HK-3616X, the aircraft was later impounded by Mexican authorities for drug running.

Two ex-United Airlines Convair 340s converted to CV580 turboprop standard and operating in varying colour schemes at Denver Stapleton for Aspen Airways. N73126 c/n 53 in the background.

Same spot as my other shot of N5818 but a year and a half later and she's looking good in the new colours, one of a number of attractive shades applied to the fleet at this time

National took delivery of this airframe as a CV-340 in 1953. She was converted twice - first to CV-440 and then to a CV-580 in 1966. Sold to Avesca Colombia in 1991 but quickly seized by the Mexican govt. Wfu at Santa Lucia AB in 1993 but sold to Kelowna in 2000 as C-FIWN and most recently flying for Pioneer Air Cargo then Skyforce Cargo as VH-PDX