Background History

The De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou was designed primarily to meet a US Army requirement for a tactical transport able to operate from small, unprepared strips close to the front line, carrying troops and supplies to the front and evacuating casualties on return flights. For this reason the US Secretary of Defence waived a restriction which limited the US Army to fixed-wing aircraft with an empty weight not exceeding 5,OOOlb. The decision to build the DHC-4 was taken in 1956, with the aim to produce an aircraft combining the well-proven capabilities of the Douglas DC-3 with the STOL performance of the Company's earlier DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-3 Otter single-engined utility aircraft.

The prototype (CF-KTK-X) made its maiden flight on 30th July 1958 and was initially used for company flight-testing. Following this, De Havilland built five aircraft for evaluation by the US Army with the designation YAC- 1 and one for the Royal Canadian Air Force as CC-108. These were delivered in 1959. Noteworthy characteristics of the Caribou airframe were the marked anhedral of the wing centre-section and the high, up-swept tail accommodating a loading ramp stressed to take items weighing up to 6,7201b (3,048kg). Piston engines still being the order of the day, a pair of Pratt & Whitney R-2000 Twin Wasp radials were chosen for the Caribou. Apart from a cockpit crew of two, it could carry 32 troops or 26 paratroopers. Alternative arrangements could be made for 22 casualty stretchers plus eight seats in the freighting role, two fully loaded jeeps or three tons of cargo could be carried. The DHC-4A model differed from the DHC-4 in having an increased maximum take-off weight, from 26,OOOlb (11,793kg) to 28,5001b (12,927kg).

Entering Service

The sixth Caribou off the line carried out a 50,000-mile demonstration programme in 1959 during which 479 flight demonstrations were given from Europe to Australia. Considerable overseas interest resulted in worldwide sales, the large majority for military use. Service deliveries began in 1959 and continued through to 1973, by which time a total of 307 had been built. As mentioned previously, the principal customer was the US Army which, as a result of the evaluation of the first five aircraft, placed order for a further 159 AC-1s. In 1962 these were re-designated CV-2As and CV-2Bs. US Type Approval was obtained on 23rd December 1960 for the CV-2A and on 1lth July 1961 for the CV-2B. On l January 1967, the 134 Caribou still in service with the US Army were transferred to the USAF as C-7As and C-7Bs. The type saw extensive use in Vietnam were many are believed to have been lost or eventually fell into the hands of the North Vietnamese Few machines now remain in service, with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units.

The Caribou served with the RCAF (later Canadian Armed Forces) as the CC-108. Eight more aircraft were delivered to this service and were used until the advent of its turboprop successor, the DHC-5 Buffalo, in the late sixties. Many of the CAF aircraft saw extensive inter-national service whilst on loan to the United Nations in the Middle East. Other military users have included the Abu Dhabi Army Air, Ghana Air Force, Indian Air Force, Kenya Air Force, Kuwait Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Spanish Air Force, Oman Air Force, Tanzanian Air Force and Zambian Air Force.

The Caribou can be regarded as generally successful and today is still to be found in service with several of the aforementioned air arms. A few have found their way to commercial operators, Ansett-MAL and Civil Air Transport (of Taiwan) being two of the earliest recipients. As more aircraft are withdrawn from use by the military, additional civil users are seeking the specialised qualities of the Caribou and it is certain that its angular lines will be seen in the world's skies for some time yet.

The Malta Connection – Deliveries

A rare enough aircraft in Europe, the aircraft’s connection with Malta can be described in two phases: the delivery and return phases. The delivery phase is that period of time up to the end of 1972 when quite a few factory-fresh aircraft used Luqa as a staging post during their delivery flights.

The table below lists some of the Caribou known to have staged through Luqa Airport on delivery. Country name or serial number in bold red indicates a recent addition. Other text in bold is additional information added since the last update.

I am grateful to the Office of Air Force History, Royal Australian Air Force for providing me with additional details of Caribou that had flown through Malta much earlier in the sixties. Histories of the RAAF DHC-4s courtesy of the Australian Military Aircraft Serials and Aircraft History web site.

Additional information came from the Caribou and Buffalo website .

Australia

The Royal Australian Air Force operated 29 Caribous, starting in 1964 and continuing for 45 years, until the last aircraft was retired on 27 November 2009.

Below is the reproduction of the announcement by the minister of defence.


Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced the release of the tender to dispose of retired Caribou aircraft.

Mr. Clare said that two of the fleet will be reserved for sale to historical organisations that will preserve the aircraft as flying examples of military heritage.

A number of Caribou components will also be made available only to historical organisations and Returned Service Organisations, such as RSL’s.

“The Caribou has had a long and distinguished history with the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Clare said.

“It was first brought into service in Vietnam and has served with distinction for nearly half a century.

“The aircraft was famous for its ability to take off and land on short and unprepared runways.

“This unique ability allowed the Caribou to play a major role in relief operations both within Australia and internationally.

“Due to the historic significance of the aircraft, we have reserved a number of Caribou components for preservation at RSL’s and historical organisations.”

During service, the Caribou aircraft were based at RAAF Richmond NSW, RAAF Amberley QLD and RAAF Townsville QLD.

Two of the aircraft have already been presented to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook and the Australian War Memorial.

SERIAL	C/N	ARRIVED	DEPARTED	HISTORY	NOTES
A4-134	134	27.03.64	28.03.64	Delivered to RAAF 12/03/64. One of first 3 Caribou's delivered on a ferry flight from Toronto Canada to Australia, flight time of just under 97 hours. Arrived at RAAF Richmond 22/04/64. To 2AD. To 86 Wing 30/04/64. Served with 38 Sqn. Crashed 01/07/64 (38 Sqn) during landing, Nowra NSW. Approval granted on 22/12/64 to transfer the fuselage to the Dept of Army at Puckapunyal for use as a training aid at CAT&DC. Was relocated and placed on display at the Army Museum at Bandiana, Vic. Current status unknown.
A4-140	140	27.03.64	28.03.64	Delivered to RAAF 12/03/64. Status cards says at a cost of $803,631. One of first 3 Caribou's delivered on a ferry flight from Toronto Canada to Australia, flight time of just under 97 hours. Arrived at RAAF Richmond 22/04/64. To 2AD. To 86 Wing 30/04/64. To Dehavilland. To 38 Sqn 03/11/67. To 35 Sqn 13/11/68. Served with 35 Sqn in Vietnam 11/68 - 06/71. To 38 Sqn 04/02/71. Departed Darwin 28/08/75 on a task associated with the unrest in Portuguese Timor. Used by 38 Sqn during Flood relief operations in NSW 24/04/90 to 01/05/90. Also served in Timor and Bougainville. Special markings were painted on the tail of this aircraft 04/2002 for 38 years of Caribou operations by 38 Sqn. Preserved Australian War Memorial Canberra - Currently stored at AWM Annex Mitchell ACT.
A4-147	147	27.03.64	28.03.64	Delivered to RAAF 12/03/64. One of first 3 Caribou's delivered on a ferry flight from Toronto Canada to Australia, flight time of just under 97 hours. Had a long range fuel tank failure during ferry flight. Arrived at RAAF Richmond 22/04/64. To 2AD. To 86 Wing 30/04/64. At 35 Sqn 12/05/66. At 38 Sqn 12/06/67. To Dehavilland Bankstown 11/67. To 38 Sqn 24/01/68. Crashed 06/10/68 during landing Tapini PNG. The aircraft was converted to spares. Still with 38 Sqn as a Field Training Simulator/Training Aid.
A4-152	152	__.06.64		Delivered to RAAF 29/04/64. Arrived in Australia 13/06/64. Served with 35 Sqn in Vietnam Oct 67 - Nov 68 RTA for major repairs. Served with 38 Sqn 1970. Several minutes after takeoff from Richmond NSW on the 15/05/70 it had a fire in the starboard engine. The fire was extinguished and was later found to be a cracked cylinder. In Sumatra in Apr/May 1971 whilst on a Survey Task which included Operation "Pemataan Gading" and "Elephant Tusk". Served with 38 Sqn Det "B", painted white and marked in UN markings while it served with UNMOGIP in Kashmir in the late 70's. Carried out-an unscheduled UN Flight 30/06/76 to Srinagar and return. Recent snowfalls in the area have covered the airstrip in 18 inches of snow delaying some sorties. Departed Richmond 30/08/80 for Villa to support the Vanuatu Government by flying goods and people, following the revolutionary disruption on the island of Espiritu Santo. Paint all one colour, Tea Tree Green finish, still in this scheme in 2002. Served with Interfet in East Timor. In Service 38 Sqn. A4-152 was flown to Point Cook on 26/11/09 - Currently on display RAAF Museum Point Cook.
A4-159	159	__.06.64		Delivered to RAAF 29/04/64. Arrived in Australia 13/06/64. Served with 35 Sqn in Vietnam Jul 68 - Jun 71. Served with 38 Sqn. Retired - No Details. Fire Dump - Brisbane Airport QLD - Scrapped 23/03/2010 - Forward fuselage acquired by Queensland Air Museum.
A4-164	164	__.06.64	__06.64	Delivered to RAAF 29/04/64. Arrived in Australia 13/06/64. Served with 38 Sqn - Det "A" in New Guinea from 12/10/65. Richmond Airshow 1988. Was in service 35 Sqn. Crashed 18/10/78 on takeoff at Eliptamin PNG. Was involved in an Airshow at Lillydale 11/02/82. Withdrawn 11/92. Training aid at AMTDU RAAF Richmond. Wings and tail fitted to A4-173 at Queensland Air Museum. Noted in outside storage following retirement of the Caribou fleet.
A4-171	171	__.07.64	__.06.64	Delivered to RAAF 25/06/64. Issued to Butterworth but diverted to Vietnam on delivery flight. To RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam 15/07/64. RTFV renamed 35 Sqn 01/06/66. Served with RTFV/35 Sqn in Vietnam 08/64 - 08/67. To Air Vietnam 06/04/67 for servicing. To 35 Sqn 03/05/67. Crashed 30/08/67, An Thoi Vietnam. Into water 300m short of runway. The pilot was Flg Off Alan Aitken and the co-Pilot was the CO Sqn Ldr Tony Fookes.	Diverted to RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam during delivery flight.
A4-173	173	16.08.64	16.08.64	Delivered to RAAF 25/06/64. Served with 35 Sqn in Vietnam Aug 64 - Feb 72. 05/65, when landing at Hay Tien mud on windscreen blinded pilots and aircraft was badly damaged. Wing, Undercarrage and Prop replaced and aircraft flew out. Retired - no details. Was stored at RAAF Amberley in QLD. The fuselage has been delivered to the QLD Aviation Museum at Coloundra 02/02, the rest of the aircraft delivered 04/02. The wings and tail off A4-164 at RAAF Richmond were delivered 10/02 and are now fitted.	Same day arrival/departure. Arrived from Nice (where it had radio problems), to El-Adem. Diverted to RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam during delivery flight.
A4-179	179	__.07.64	__.07.64	Delivered to RAAF 25/06/64. Diverted to Vietnam on delivery flight. Served with 35 Sqn in Vietnam Aug 64 - Feb 72. First Aussie aircraft in Vietnam and last out. Used by 38 Sqn during Flood relief operations in NSW 23/04/90 to 08/05/90. Was Battle Damage Training aid, Oakey QLD. Training aid at AMTDU RAAF Richmond. Currently in outside storage following retirement of the Caribou fleet.	Diverted to RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam during delivery flight.
A4-185	185	__.07.64	__.07.64	Delivered to RAAF 25/06/64. Issued to Butterworth but diverted to Vietnam on delivery flight. To RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam 15/07/64. Served with 35 Sqn in Vietnam 08/64 - 11/64. 15/11/64, First RAAF Aircraft damaged by enemy fire in Vietnam. Crashed 18/11/64, A Ro Vietnam. It crashed into a ditch dug across the runway. Engines and wings recovered, fuselage left behind were it served as a command post.	Diverted to RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam during delivery flight.
A4-191	191	__.08.64	__.08.64	Delivered to RAAF 07/64. Served with 35 Sqn in Vietnam Aug 64 - Jun 71. On the 08/03/82 this aircraft was being directed by the Army and was given instructions to fly through a live mortar range, luckily the range safety officer called a "hold fire" in time. Retired. 38 SQN entered A4-191 in the RAAF 70th Anniversary Air Show Tactical Navigation Air Rally 09/10/91, and the crew took out first place in the Military category. Currently stored at Amberley - Retired. - Currently stored at Amberley.	Diverted to RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam during delivery flight.
A4-193	193	__.08.64	__.08.64	Delivered to RAAF 30/07/64. Issued to Butterworth 30/07/64. To RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam 17/07/64. Served with RTFV/35 Sqn in Vietnam 17/07/64 - 03/70. On 12/03/65, sniper destroyed port engine with one shot. Aircraft continued takeoff on one engine and recovered to Da Nang. To Air Vietnam 10/11/65 for servicing. To RTFV 14/12/65. RTFV renamed 35 Sqn 01/06/66. To Air Vietnam 02/08/67. To 35 Sqn 27/09/67. With 35 Sqn 12/10/68. At 35 Sqn 07/69. Destroyed 29/03/70, That Son Vietnam. Destroyed by a morter attck when on the ground. All people ok. Crew of A4-193; FLGOFF Bert Milne (Pilot), PLTOFF Calvert, CPL Church, LAC Liang. Crew of Rescue Vehicle: Alan Runfeldt (driver).	Diverted to RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam during delivery flight.
A4-195	195	__.10.64	__.10.64	Delivered to RAAF 09/64. Served with Interfet in East Timor. Served in Operation ANODE, Solomon Islands 2003/2004. Flying display, with markings on the fuselage showing 45 years of caribou service to the ADF - Classic Fighters Airshow, Omaka, NZ - Easter 2009 - Was in service 38 Sqn. - Long term storage at Oakey awaiting disposal - Believed to be one of 7 Caribou acquired by Amrock Aviation Pty Ltd in 09/11.
A4-199	199	__.10.64	__.10.64	Delivered to RAAF 09/64. Served with 38 Sqn - Det "B" and was painted white and in UN markings when it served with UNMOGIP in Kashmir 1975-1978. Crewed by FLTLT P. Cleary, FLGOFF R. Folvig, FLTLT K. Stone SGT K. O?Brien and CPL W. Little departed Richmond at 0230Z on 04/03/75. Its path to it to Alice Springs, Broome, Bali, Jakarta, Butterworth, Rangoon, Calcutta and Delhi on the 15/03/75. Richmond Airshow 1988. Nowra Airshow, 1998. Avalon Airshow 1999. Used as Transport for Survivor Television Program 2000. Avalon Airshow 2005. In Service 38 Sqn. Airlifted by Chinook A15-102 to Townsville on 18/11/09 from High Range training area following a hard landing on 25/09/09 - Currently with 27Sqn RAAF will now be a Gate Guardian alongside the emplaced Neptune at RAAF Garbutt, Townsville.
A4-202	202	__.10.64	__.10.64	Delivered to RAAF 19/10/64. To 2AD 19/10/64. To 38 Sqn 27/10/64. Crashed at Porgera New Guinea 11/06/65. There were no fatal injuries, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
A4-204	204	__.12.64	__.12.64	Delivered to RAAF 11/64. Used by 38 Sqn during Flood relief operations in NSW 21/04/90 to 16/05/90. Mangalore Airshow 1993. Carried out a handling display in front of a crowd of over 40,000 people as No. 38 Sqn?s contribution to RAAF Richmond?s open day 10/10/65 - Static Display Avalon 2007 - In Service 38Sqn - Noted in dismantled state outside Aerospace Australia at Brisbane Airport since November 2009 - Believed to be one of 7 Caribou acquired by Amrock Aviation Pty Ltd in 09/11.
A4-208	208	__.12.64	__.12.64	Delivered to RAAF 11/64. Served with 35 Sqn in Vietnam Jun 65 - Feb 72. On Friday 30 July 1967, Caribou A4-208 was hit by two rounds of .30 calibre automatic weapon fire at an altitude of 1500 feet during descent for landing at Dak Seang Airfield, South Vietnam. One round hit and cut the aircraft's rudder cable, while the second round struck the fuselage aft roundel, side unknown. This section of fuselage was removed from A4-208 as part of damage battle repair and is now held by the Australian War Memorial. On the 19/01/69, 3 mortar rounds hit ground 25m from aircraft. With both pilots injured, aircraft hydraulics, flaps, brakes damaged and flat main tyres the aircraft got airborne and recovered ok. When on the ground the aircraft was found to have been hit with 100 pieces of shrapnel. Involved in a landing mishap 16/11/85 at Casino (Backmede strip) when 2.8 metres of the right wing was sheared of by a tree. Used by 38 Sqn during Flood relief operations in NSW 14/05/90 to 18/05/90. Was a Battle Damage Training aid, Oakey QLD. Is at Oakey having been totally stripped out in preparation for dumping on an artificial reef in Moreton Bay. Still there October 2004.
A4-210	210	__.12.64	__.12.64	Delivered to RAAF 04/12/64. Served with 35 Sqn in Vietnam Mar 65 - Jul 68 RTA for major repairs after it ran into a ditch on landing, Pilot Flg Off Ian Baldwin and co-Pilot Flg Off Brian Young. Richmond Airshow 1988. Used by 38 Sqn during Flood relief operations in NSW 03/05/90 to 08/05/90. In Service 38 Sqn - Was in storage at Oakey awaiting disposal - Acquired along with A4-234 and 6 semi trailer loads of spare parts by HARS 09/2011 - Intended to fly for another 20 years as the "Vietnam Veterans Memorial Flight" - Departed Oakey 29/10/2011 for Albion Park - Civil registration VH-VBA.
A4-264	264	__.06.68	__.06.68	Delivered to RAAF 05/68. Served with 38 Sqn Det "A" in PNG 1971. On the 20/07/71 Over ran the end of the strip a Tufi. Served with 38 Sqn Det "B", painted white and marked in UN markings when it served with UNMOGIP in Kashmir in the 70's. Returned 30/12/78. Crashed 04/07/86, Camden NSW while landing. Now training aid at Richmond for Fire Fighting. Currently in outside storage following retirement of the Caribou fleet.	Attrition replacement.
A4-275	275	__.08.69	__.08.69	Delivered to RAAF 07/69. Served with 38 Sqn Det "A" in PNG 1973. Out on SAR for HMAS Tarouk 19/05/73. The wreckage was found on a reef about 50 miles off Port Moresby. Used by 38 Sqn during Flood relief operations in NSW 17/04/90 to 22/04/90 and 30/04/90 to 06/05/90. East Sale Airshow 1996. Tail painted in special 35 year orange scheme for 35 Sqn. Served with Interfet & UNTAET in East Timor. In Service 38 Sqn. Used in relief ops 11/2007 in Papua New Guinea, effected by floods from Cyclone Guba - Retired to storage Oakey 1/09/2009 - Long term storage at Oakey awaiting disposal - Believed to be one of 7 Caribou acquired by Amrock Aviation Pty Ltd in 09/11.	Attrition replacement.
A4-285	285	14.12.69		Delivered to RAAF 12/69. Arrived in Australia 25/12/69. Served with 38 Sqn Det "A" PNG in 1971. On 20/07/71 left Port Moresby to escort a Neptune making for there after an engine fire. Oakey Airshow 1986. Served with Interfet in East Timor. Avalon Airshow 2003. In Service 38 Sqn. Damaged at Efogi, Papua New Guinea on the 5/09/2008. It was thought at the time to be a heavy landing, however it appears now that it was due to fatigue. Dismantled on site, componants retrieved and fuselage believed scrapped. Cockpit at RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre	Attrition replacement.
A4-299	299	30.05.71		Delivered to RAAF 04/05/71. To 2AD 23/04/71. The last Caribou delivered arrived in Richmond 12/06/71. To 38 Sqn 12/07/71. On return from a service 26/05/89 suffered an undercarriage malfunction resulting in the left main gear collapsing after shutdown. Used by 38 Sqn during Flood relief operations in NSW 23/04/90 to 04/05/90. Avalon Airshow 2001. Avalon Airshow 2005. In Service 38 Sqn. Long term storage at Oakey awaiting disposal - Believed to be one of 7 Caribou acquired by Amrock Aviation Pty Ltd in 09/11.	Attrition replacement.

Malaysia

The Royal Malaysian Air Force received 18 new DHC-4A aircraft starting in 1966 and ending in 1973. They were assigned to the 1st and 8th Squadrons. The RMAF Caribous were withdrawn from service in September, 2000, being replaced by the CN235 from Indonesia.

SERIAL	C/N	ARRIVED	DEPARTED	HISTORY	NOTES
FM1104	270	20.04.69		re-serialled FM1404, M21-05. - Arrived Kuala Lumpur 03.05.69 - Crashed 5/24/99 crashed during regular training flight on approach into a swampy area at the end of the runway at Kunching (5 killed).
FM1105	273	20.04.69		re-serialled FM1405, M21-06. Arrived Kuala Lumpur 03.05.69 - In storage at Kuching Base, Sarawak as of 9/15/00 awaiting buyers.
FM1106	274	20.04.69		re-serialled FM1406, M21-07 - Arrived Kuala Lumpur 5/3/69 - In storage at Kuching Base, Sarawak as of 9/15/00 awaiting buyers.
FM1107	276	23.06.69		re-serialled FM1407, M21-08. Arrived Kuala Lumpur 04.07.69 - In storage at Kuching Base, Sarawak as of 9/15/00 awaiting buyers.
FM1108	277	23.06.69		re-serialled FM1408, M21- 09. - Arrived Kuala Lumpur 7/4/69 - Labuan Base (used for fire training).
FM1109	278	23.06.69		re-serialled M21-10. Arrived Kuala Lumpur 04.07.69 - Ditch into sea at Cowie Bay, Sabah 3/30/70 - written off - In storage at Labuan Base, as of 15.09.00.
FM1110	279	12.08.69		re-serialled FM1409, M21-11. Departed Canada 05.08.69 arrived Kuala Lumpur 22.08.69 - In storage at Kuching Base, Sarawak as of 9/15/00 awaiting buyers.
FM1111	280	12.08.69		re-serialled FM1410, M21-12- Departed Canada 08.05.69 arrived Kuala Lumpur 22.08.69 - Crashed Simanggang on 29.11.80 - written off - RMAF College at Alor Setar Base (engineering training).
FM1112	281	12.08.69		re-serialled FM1411, M21-13. - Departed Canada 05.08.69 arrived Kuala Lumpur 22.08.69 - Assigned to 1 SQN - Ditched in the water near Labuan 31.07.95 - In storage at Labuan Base, as of 15.09.00.

Other Air Forces

COUNTRY	SERIAL	C/N	ARRIVED	DEPARTED	HISTORY	NOTES
Abu Dhabi	305	300		29.06.71
Kenya	202	238				At Luqa on 08.12.65. Metal finish
Kenya	205	302		01.03.72		Camouflaged in mid-stone/dark earth and black undersides.
Kenya	206	303	06.12.72			callsign 5YZ56.
Thailand	12251	251				Noted at Luqa in November 1966. Thanks to information from Wayne E. Buser of http://dhc4and5.org, this is the likely contender. This aircraft was accepted from DHC on 07.11.66 and arrived at Thailand for the Police on the 14th.
Thailand	12257	257				Accepted from DHC on 05.12.67. It is not known for certain if this, and 12271 below, actually landed at Luqa on their delivery flight. Confirmation that they actually landed at Malta would be appreciated.
Thailand	12271	271				Accepted from DHC on 11.03.69. See above
Zambia	AF305	301	29.09.71

Re-appearance

The return phase, in complete contrast to the first, is the period from December 1980 to the mid-90s when a number Caribou were flown back to Malta and a new lease of life after overhaul by the NCA Int. company. Although the numbers seen are by no means large, it generated considerable interest amongst the local aviation community, especially for those who remembered the original delivery flights!

The aircraft have been listed in the table below, in alphabetical order, according to the registration the aircraft had upon arrival. A second table has been added, giving the US registration with which the aircraft departed. Information in bold indicates recently added material.

Lastly, like the DC-3 when MIACO went into voluntary liquidation, when the last of the Caribous left Malta in 1995, almost all of us photographers that this was the last we had seen of the type. It was all the more surprising when in April 2004 and June 2005, N666NC and N90NC, again staged through Malta from the US on their way to Indonesia. At the time this page was updated, (March 2013), no other Caribou have been seen.

DHC-4s overhauled by NCA Int'l

REG. ARR	REG. DEP	C/N	ARRIVED	DEPARTED	HISTORY	NOTES
5H-AAA	HC-BHZ	249	__.12.80	21.03.81	JW9004 Tanzanian AF 09.02.67; John Woods Inc 03.79; N1017M ?; N3262U ? 08.80; 5H-AAA rr; HC-BHZ Aerolineas Condor rr. Crashed in Andes Mountains, 01.09.82.
5H-AAB		244	11.03.81		JW9003 Tanzanian AF; N1017L ?; N3262W NTU; 5H-AAB J.W.I.; 5H-AAB New-Cal Av. Purchased 06.86; to International Fire & Safety School, Hal-Far, 14.02.94, scrapped.	In open storage for several years at NCA, used as a mock-up for PT-6 engine installation. Never flew since its arrival. IFSS no longer operating from Malta, premises taken over by International Safety Training Centre Malta Ltd.
5H-AAC		011	21.02.81		5322 RCAF; JW9014 Tanzanian AF, 15 Jun 71; N1016U ?; N3262X NTU; 5H-AAC John Woods Inc.; 5H-AAC New-Cal Av R; to International Fire & Safety School – Malta (IFSS) at Hal-Far, 14.02.94.	This is the only DHC-4, all other aircraft being the “A” variant. Fate as 5H-AAB above.
5Y-BEM	N600NC	237	29.05.86	25.06.87	201 Kenyan AF 09.11.65; 5Y-BEM, New-Cal Av 05.86 Rr; N600NC, Rr; Pen Turbo Av. Inc 19.09.94 Reg; Used for installation of PT6A turbo engines, replacement aircraft for N400NC (see c/n 240); received Supplemental Type certification from Canada 14.11.2000; FAA certification 27.07.2001.	“Araminta”. Delivered to Kenyan Air Force through Malta in 1965. Used in a film production in Puerto Rico. First Caribou in Malta after NCA started operations in Malta.
5Y-BER	N400NC	240	12.06.86	24.03.89	204 Kenyan AF 09.12.65; New-Cal Av, 5Y-BER R; reg canc 06.86; N400NC 07.86 rr; converted to turbo-prop with PT6-678 engines; first flight on 06.11.91 from Gimli, Manitoba, Canada; crashed on 27.08.92 on take-off from Gimli, after a total of 22 hours.	“Liza Suzanne”, finished in champagne gold colours. Test flights on 27 & 28 Jan 89, 21 & 23 Feb. One day trip abroad on 28 Feb. Test flt on 21 Mar 89. Left NCA on the 22 to refuel, and returned to NCA. Again left NCA on the 23 for Park 1, Luqa Airport. Left Malta on 24 March 89. Departed with radial engines.
5Y-BET	N300NC	303	04.07.86	23.08.95	206 Kenyan AF 22.11.72; New-Cal Av., 5Y-BET 07.86; reg canc 07.86; N300NC rr; Pen Turbo Av. Inc 06.10.94 rr; St Cape May, NJ.	”Ros”, originally delivered to Kenya AF through Malta on 06.12.72
5Y-BEU	N50NC	302	14.07.86	01.11.90	205 Kenyan AF 16.02.72; To New-Cal Av. 5Y-BEU R; reg canc 22.07.86; N50NC 08.86 rr; Pen Turbo Av. Inc.; St Cap May, NJ. Rr N58NC, 1995.	”Donna Lee” Originally delivered to Kenya AF through Malta on 03.03.72. First test flight 23.10.90, also on 25.10.
5Y-BEV	N96NC	238	28.06.87	30.05.92	202 Kenyan AF 23.11.65; New-Cal Av. 5Y-BEV; reg canc 07.86; N96NC 06.87 rr; configured for aerial dispersant spraying; test/demo flights on 20, 21, 26 and 29.11.91; demonstrated during “Clean Seas” conference; 5B-CIN rr (observed with this reg between 07.11.93 – 11.04.94); N96NC rr; Pen Turbo Av. Inc.R 28.03.95; converted to turbo-power.	Delivered via Malta, at RAF Luqa on 08.12.65.
9J-NAA	N5488R	216	29.04.83	21.10.84	AF303 Zambian AF; 9J-NAA New-Cal Av. R; N5388R* Union Flights; N5488R Union Flights; Ran out of fuel 250 miles off Newfoundland on 23.10.84 due to strong headwinds. Maltese co-pilot survived, US captain went down with aircraft; reg cancelled 10.85.	*Incorrect registration due to a spraying mistake. First Caribou purchased by New-Cal Av. 9J-NAA and 9J-NAB were the only two Caribous to have arrived when MIACO was still operating in Malta.
9J-NAB	N900NC	212	11.10.84	27.02.85	AF301 Zambian AF; 9J-NAB New-Cal Av.; N900NC New-Cal Av.; N900NC Union Flights	Two test flights on 26.02.85, Replacement for N5488R, c/n 216 (see below). For sale 08.92 with c/ns 55, 98, 119, 126 & 241.
9J-NAC	N999NC	219	28.07.86	25.11.89	AF304 Zambian AF; 9J-NAC New-Cal Av.; N999NC New-Cal Av.; Current status?	“Jayne”. Test flight on 21 Feb 89. Re-sprayed in matt grey. Test flt on 11 Sept 89. Left Malta on 25 Sept. Sold to West African operator together with N84899.
N51NC		261	03.10.93	19.06.95	T9-4/37-04 Spanish AF; Stored Villanubla, Spain 06.91; N51NC New-Cal Av.; Pen Turbo Aviation Inc, 06.10.94.
N57NC		072	11.04.94	__.12.95	61-2594 US Army – 61-2594 US AF – T9-22/37-15 Spanish AF – Stored Villanubla, Spain 06.91 - N57NC New-Cal Av.; Pen Aviation Turbo Inc. Currently stored Cape May, NJ.
N88NC		038	17.03.87	11.03.88	60-5444 US Army – 60-5444 US AF – T9-17/353-17 Spanish AF - N88NC New-Cal Av.	“Kimberly”, test flown on 01.03.88.
N90NC		024	06.03.87	29.09.87	60-5433 US Army; 60-5433 US AF; T9-24/371-04 Spanish AF; N90NC New-Cal Av.; Pen Turbo Aviation Inc. St. at Cape May, NJ; Rr PK-YRO; Sold to Trigana Air. Arr Malta 16.06.05, departed on the 17th, for Luxor, Egypt; Dbr at Papua on 09.10.06 after landing. No fatalities.	This was the second Caribou destined for Trigana Air, and was in the same livery as PK-YRJ, except that it lacked a nose radar. (See N666NC.)
N95NC		135	03.08.87	26.04.89?	62-4191 US Army; 61-4191 US AF; T9-30/371-08 Spanish AF; N95NC New-Cal Av.	“Rose” Arrived in military camouflage but with white rudder. T-AO on fuselage. Test flights on 25.02, 29.02, 01.05 and 22.06.88. Departed on 23.06.88 for parachute jumps in France/Belgium/Spain, returned on 22.01.89. Test flt on 25.04, dep Malta on the 26, returned on 16 May, entering NCA on the 17. Still in Malta on 08.06.89.
N555NC		015	11.04.88		60-3764 US Army; T9-13/353-13 Spanish AF; N555NC New-Cal Av.; Purchased Pen Turbo Aviation Inc, stored Cape May, New Jersey.	Configured for aerial spraying. All-white colours, ‘Advanced Maritime Pollution/Clean Seas 91’ with titles. Small “New-Cal Aviation Inc.” titles on fin. First test flight 08.11.93 – spraying demonstrations outside Grand Harbour between 09 and 11 Nov 93.
N666NC		027	18.04.88		60-5436 US Army; 60-5436 US AF; T9-26/371-06 Spanish AF; N666NC New-Cal Av.; Pen Turbo Aviation Inc. St. at Cape May, NJ. PK-YRJ, Trigana Air, del via Malta 02.04.04; Damaged at Mulia, Indonesia, currently undergoing repairs at Wamena.	PK-YRJ arr on a Friday afternoon. Departure was on Sunday the 4th, but a/c returned 20-25 minutes later w/technical problems. Performed a number of engine runs. Departed on 06.04.04. A/c had nose-mounted radar.
N888NC		058	06.04.88		61-2398 US Army; 61-2398 US AF; TP-28/371-08 Spanish AF; N888NC New-Cal Av.; Pen Turbo Aviation Inc 09.11.94; To Cape May NJ, .96, for storage.	Tested as water-bomber, Safi 04.93. “Maltese Rat”.
N84893		282	24.05.84	16.09.86	303 Abu Dhabi Army Air –N84893 New-Cal Av. Reg, 01.84; Union Flights leased/purchased ?; To New-Cal Av. “Sandy”; Pen Turbo Av. Inc. reg. 12.03.96.	First test flight 16.07.86, also on 11 & 12.09.86.
N84897		283	03.06.84		304 Abu Dhabi Army Air; N84897 New-Cal Av.;	Overall sand colour. Spent several years in open storage. Fuselage used to test colour schemes for other Caribous. Scrapped. Taken to Hal-Far, under the ownership of International Safety Training Centre Malta Ltd..
N84899		300	27.06.84	15.12.89	305 Abu Dhabi Army Air; N84899 New-Cal Av.; Liberian AF; Believed destroyed in Liberia, 12.92.	Nicola. Aircraft originally delivered to Abu Dhabi through Malta on 29.06.71. Civilian colours (white/light grey fuselage with two-tone blue cheat lines) changed to overall glossy dark olive, with dayglo wing and fin tips. Emergency landing after port undercarriage failed to lower during test flight (over Malta) on 22.11.89. Aircraft suffered little damage and was repaired.