The last DC-3 formerly owned by the U.S. Forest Service is listed for sale on the General Services Administration auction website. Built in 1944, it retired from smokejumper duty in December of 2015.
Here is the description of the aircraft at the GSA website:
Douglas DC-3T, 1944 S/N 33567, N115U. 18800.9 hours aircraft TT. P&W PT6A-67R engines, Left 2367.7 SMOH, Right 5831. SMOH HC-B5MA-3 propellers 543.0 SPOH This is an “As is where is” sale. Attached Equipment List Further details on invitation for bid DOUGLAS DC-3T 1232TD612400011
The last bid was $1,000, but the reserve has not been met. It is currently at McClellan Air Field in California.
The 72-year old aircraft, first operated by the Royal Air Force, was manufactured as World War II was winding down. The radial piston engines were replaced 25 years ago with turbines by Basler, extending its life while providing more reliability and less maintenance. The aircraft’s sister, Jump-42, another DC-3, retired in November, 2012.
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Danny.
I hope the buyer comes forward and lets us know how the aircraft will be used.
My dad flew a DC-3 throughout WW2, up and down the Aleutian Chain, and you know the kind of weather up there! He said the airworthiness of the bird kept him and a lot of his buddies alive. I’m here today because of that plane’s durability.
Sold for $3,003,000. That’s a bit more than the reserve of $100,000. Nice to see it bring a good price after so many years of service.
Looks like it went for $3 mil. With 11 minutes before closing. Weird
as an aircraft junkie,unfortunately i’m not a pilot,but oh man i wished i were,i hope this plane goes to a restorer who will attempt to put the radials back on.Or keep it as is and use it as a historical a/c for its USFS work.but im usually wrong..so……….