Dates

Event

Constructed as a C-54B-1-DC by Douglas at Chicago, IL.

24 November 1944

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 42-72356.

24 November 1944

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Navy with BuNo 50857 as a R5D-2.

Converted to a C-54S.

Converted to a C-54P.

Circa April 1969

Photographer: Nick Williams
Notes: USN Bu# 50857 C54P VR-6242 APR69 NICK WILLIAMS Bu# 50857 (MSN 10461, ex USAAF 42-72356. Converted to C-54S in 1962 and later to C-54P. To MASDC Mar 1973. to Biegert Aviation as N44911 Oct 28, 1975. To Brooks Fuel of Fairbanks, AK Sep 3, 1996. Suffered major damage May 7, 2004 when explosion took place in left wing during engine start at Ganes Creek Mine airstrip, 25 mi W of McGrath, AK. Engine 1 and outboard section of left wing separated from the rest of the wing. Crew uninjured

March 1973

Withdrawn from use.
Stored at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

28 October 1975

To Biegert Aviation with new c/r N44911.

28 April 1976

Certificate of airworthiness for N44911 (C54B-DC, 10461) issued.

October 1979

Photographer: Geoff Goodall
Notes: N44911 was another Biegert Aviation C-54 at Mesa October 1979, fitted with fuselage tank and spray bars above the wings

7 August 1996

Photographer: Terry Fletcher
Notes: 1996 photo at Chandler Memorial AZ

17 October 1996

To Brooks Fuel Inc, Fairbanks, AK keeping c/r N44911.

Based at Brooks Fuel/Don Brooks, Fairbanks, AK.
View the Location Dossier

21 June 1999

Photographer: Alex Waning APVW aviation DVDs
Notes: Fairbanks. Short before our flight to Kobuk.

7 May 2004

Crashed.
The accident occurred at the Ganes Creek Airport McGrath, AK, United States while standing. The damage was substantial. The crew of the 4 engine airplane started its engines for a positioning flight from a remote mining airstrip. Following the startup of the engines, an explosion occurred in the left wing area aft of the number 1 engine firewall and number 1 auxiliary fuel tank...
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

8 May 2004

Crashed.
Summary: The damage to the airframe was substantial. There were 29,667 hours on the airframe at the time. The cargo flight departed Ganes Creek, AK, United States of America and was destined for Fairbanks International Airport, AK (FAI/PAFA), United States of America. The accident occurred at Ganes Creek, AK (United States of America) while standing. The airframe was damaged beyond repair. Narrative: In preparation for a flight to Fairbanks, the crew successfully started engines number 4,3, and 2 in succession...
For a complete description of the event read the Aviation Safety Network Report.

After 8 May 2004

Abandoned.
View the Location Dossier

20 July 2017

Civil registration, N44911, cancelled.