to cremeeg - correction
I ferried 3D-AAB from GSO Greensboro to Dakar and then on to Johannesberg on June 4th 2004. It was already registered as 3D-AAB (Swaziland) when we arrived in GSO to make the flight. We had to have Swaziland validations of our US ATPs.
The first takeoff attempt was aborted when the #3 engine vibes went off scale. They lubed the blades and on the second attempt we made it to V2 and had a fire warning in #1 this time. returned to GSO. It turned out on inspection that it was a faulty loop.
On the third attempt we made it all the way to Dakar after losing 2 of the INS units and with an autopilot that wouldn't stay engaged.
WHen we finally got to J'berg the next day, Vadim met us and had us mov the airplane to Mafikeng near Botswana where he kept us "prisoners" for a week. He wanted us to fly for him, but the pay wasn't enough and we were "retired" He did mention "Special Flights" that would pay very well.
That waas the last time I saw the airplane, so thanks for filling me in.