Special DC-3 ; Help needed
 

I know it's a long shot but is there anyone out there who was flying in Laos during the turbulent 1960-1970s and can throw some light on what actually happened to DC-3 c/n 20763. Between 1946 and 1975 it was with Cathay Pacific (VR-HDJ) Malayan Airways (VR-SCC) Borneo Airways (VR-OAJ) MSA (9M-ANF) Air America (XW-TDK) and finally Air Lao Charter also as (XW-TDK). The web vaguely mentions "seen derelict" "shot down" "seem at Vientiane without engines" but the real answer is elusive. Any info would be much appreciated. A photo of XW-TDK would be a real find.
Prince of Dzun

www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!! called. They want their post back.

flyboyike;
Thank's for the suggestion. I looked through their files but nothing came up. Spent ten happy years flying 20763 and it seems I could spend just as long trying to find out what happened to it. All the best, Regards
Prince of Dzun.

Anything you wanted to know about Air America
 

http://www.utdallas.edu/library/coll...er/index3.html
Try this site....I believe you will be impressed with the information located there.
A German aviation enthusiast did this and in gratitude he was made an Honorary Member of the Air America Association.

The reference mentions XW-TDK but suggests it was imported by Air America and operated in the Laos Air Charter Fleet and as you state was last seen derelict in Vietiane without engines circa 1972.

It cannot be overlooked that Air America for sure was operated by the CIA and perhaps the same for LAC as well.

I will make some other inquiries and see what turns up on that aspect.

The information I found on the aircraft in question is this.....

Serial number: 20763, Type: C-47-D-1, US Army number: 43-16297

During its civilian service it held the following registrations:

VH-CHB
VH-CDK
VR-HDJ
VR-SCC
VR-OAJ
9M-ANF
9V-BAM
XW-TDK (one reference noted XW-PFN as well)

SASless:
Thank you very much for the reply and your interest. Also received your PM. There is a fair chance that 20763 has been junked in Vientienne which is an undignified ending for something that gave such great service over many years. If you come across anything further and care to pass it on I would be most grateful. I have even promised myself a holiday to Laos with the express purpose of obtaining the serial number plate if 20763 is junk. It would look nice mounted on polished wood. Thanks again, all the best.
Regards
Prince of Dzun

Hire a local to do the crawling around in the old Goon first....no telling what kind of Joe No Shoulders are living inside the old girl.

A control wheel or engine control quadrant would be a nice keepsake too, or a door handle from the small door just behind the cockpit.

What is the reg. of the one Cathay has in H.K?